Ocean Currents and Global Wind Patterns

Front

What causes ocean currents in the Northern Hemisphere to rotate clockwise?

Back

Earth's spinning on its axis.

Front

What causes deep ocean currents?

Back

Density differences.

Front

Where is ocean water the most dense?

Back

The bottom.

Front

What happens to ocean water's salinity when precipitation occurs?

Back

It decreases.

Front

What effect would there be if the Earth did not rotate on its axis?

Back

No Coriolis effect.

Front

Define ocean currents.

Back

Large-scale movements of water within the oceans, driven by factors such as wind, temperature, and salinity.

Front

What is the Coriolis effect?

Back

The deflection of moving objects, such as air and water, due to the rotation of the Earth.

Front

What are gyres?

Back

Large circular ocean currents that are driven by global wind patterns and the Coriolis effect.

Front

Explain the Great Ocean Conveyor Belt.

Back

A global system of ocean currents that circulates warm and cold water around the globe, influencing climate.

Front

What role does wind play in ocean currents?

Back

Wind drives surface currents, which can influence deeper currents through mixing.