Ocean Currents

Front

What two factors affect the ocean's density and cause the Global Conveyor Belt to travel?

Back

Temperature and salinity.

Front

What primarily causes surface currents in the ocean?

Back

Wind.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Front

What are the two types of ocean currents?

Back

Surface and deep.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Front

What is the term for the circulation of hot and cold fluids (liquids and gases)?

Back

Convection.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Front

If a material is less dense than water, what will it do?

Back

Float.

Front

What is the Coriolis Effect?

Back

The apparent deflection of moving objects (like ocean currents) due to the rotation of the Earth.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Front

What is salinity?

Back

The concentration of salts in water, which affects its density.

Front

How do temperature and salinity interact in ocean currents?

Back

Warmer, less salty water tends to rise, while colder, saltier water sinks, creating currents.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Front

What role does gravity play in ocean currents?

Back

Gravity pulls denser water down, contributing to the movement of ocean currents.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Front

What is the Global Conveyor Belt?

Back

A large-scale ocean current system that circulates water around the globe, driven by differences in temperature and salinity.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6