Ocean Currents

Front

What causes surface currents in the ocean?

Back

Surface currents are mainly caused by wind.

Front

What are smaller bodies of salt water called?

Back

Seas.

Front

What is the term for day-to-day changes in the air?

Back

Weather.

Front

How does convection contribute to ocean currents?

Back

During convection, warm water loses energy, cools, becomes denser, and sinks.

Front

Where do warm ocean currents generally originate?

Back

Warm ocean currents generally come from the Equator.

Front

What is the Coriolis Effect?

Back

The Coriolis Effect is the deflection of moving objects caused by the rotation of the Earth.

Front

What is the difference between weather and climate?

Back

Weather refers to short-term atmospheric conditions, while climate refers to long-term patterns.

Front

What role do ocean currents play in climate?

Back

Ocean currents help regulate temperatures and weather patterns around the globe.

Front

What is upwelling in the context of ocean currents?

Back

Upwelling is the process where deep, cold water rises to the surface, bringing nutrients.

Front

What is the main driver of deep ocean currents?

Back

Deep ocean currents are primarily driven by differences in water density, affected by temperature and salinity.