Ocean Currents

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What is the Gulf Stream?

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The Gulf Stream is a warm ocean current that affects the climate of the surrounding areas by warming the air and water, influencing weather patterns and temperatures.

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How does El Nino impact ocean currents?

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El Nino can disrupt normal weather patterns, leading to changes in ocean currents and temperatures.

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What is the Coriolis effect?

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The Coriolis effect is the deflection of moving objects, such as ocean currents, caused by the rotation of the Earth.

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How does the Coriolis effect influence ocean currents in the Northern Hemisphere?

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The Coriolis effect causes ocean currents to deflect to the right in the Northern Hemisphere.

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What are ocean gyres?

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Ocean gyres are large systems of circulating ocean currents, formed by the Coriolis effect and wind patterns.

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What is La Nina?

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La Nina is a climate pattern characterized by cooler than usual sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean.

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What is the difference between El Nino and La Nina?

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El Nino is characterized by warmer than usual sea surface temperatures, while La Nina is characterized by cooler than usual sea surface temperatures.

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How do ocean currents affect climate?

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Ocean currents help regulate temperatures and weather patterns by distributing heat across the planet.

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What role do trade winds play in ocean currents?

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Trade winds drive surface ocean currents towards the west in the tropics, influencing the direction and strength of currents.

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What is upwelling?

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Upwelling is the process where deep, cold water rises to the surface, bringing nutrients that support marine life.