Ocean Waves, Currents, & Tides Project

Front

What are surface currents?

Back

Surface currents are movements of water that occur at the surface of the ocean, primarily driven by wind and the Earth's rotation.

Front

What is the main characteristic of surface currents?

Back

Surface currents tend to carry water that is warm and less salty.

Front

What are tides?

Back

Tides are the rise and fall of Earth's waters on its coastlines, caused by the gravitational pull of the moon and the sun.

Front

What causes surface currents and winds to follow a curved path?

Back

The Coriolis Effect causes surface currents and winds to follow a curved path due to the rotation of the Earth.

Front

What happens to ocean temperature as depth increases?

Back

As depth increases, ocean temperature decreases.

Front

What happens to salinity as ocean depth increases?

Back

As depth increases, salinity generally increases.

Front

What is the Coriolis Effect?

Back

The Coriolis Effect is the deflection of moving objects, such as air and water, caused by the rotation of the Earth.

Front

What is heat energy in the context of ocean currents?

Back

Heat energy stored in the ocean from the sun is distributed around Earth as ocean water flows.

Front

What are ocean currents?

Back

Ocean currents are large-scale movements of water within the oceans, driven by wind, temperature differences, and the Earth's rotation.

Front

What is the difference between waves and tides?

Back

Waves are surface disturbances caused by wind, while tides are the periodic rise and fall of sea levels caused by gravitational forces.