Ocean Tides

Front

What is the abyssal zone?

Back

A division of the benthic zone, the abyssal zone is the ocean bottom in deep water, characterized by high pressure, low temperatures, and complete darkness.

Front

What type of tide occurs during a full moon or new moon?

Back

Spring tide, which is characterized by higher high tides and lower low tides due to the alignment of the Earth, Moon, and Sun.

Front

In which ocean does El Nino occur when tropical ocean waters are warmer?

Back

Pacific Ocean.

Front

What is a gyre?

Back

A huge circular pattern of rotating ocean currents that are driven by wind and the Earth's rotation.

Front

Why does the Moon have a greater influence on Earth tides than the Sun?

Back

Because the Moon is closer to the Earth, despite being smaller than the Sun.

Front

What are tides?

Back

Tides are the regular rise and fall of sea levels caused by the gravitational forces exerted by the Moon and the Sun.

Front

What is the difference between spring tides and neap tides?

Back

Spring tides occur during full and new moons with greater tidal ranges, while neap tides occur during the first and third quarters of the moon with smaller tidal ranges.

Front

What causes ocean currents?

Back

Ocean currents are caused by wind, the Earth's rotation, temperature differences, and salinity variations in the water.

Front

What is the role of the Moon in ocean tides?

Back

The Moon's gravitational pull creates bulges in the Earth's oceans, leading to high and low tides.

Front

What is the significance of the Coriolis effect in ocean currents?

Back

The Coriolis effect causes moving water to turn and twist, influencing the direction of ocean currents based on the hemisphere.