Ocean Currents

Front

What is the Gulf Stream?

Back

The Gulf Stream is a warm ocean current that carries warm water from the east coast of the United States to the west coast of Europe.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Front

What do ocean currents bring from the equator?

Back

Ocean currents bring warm water from the equator towards the poles.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Front

What causes the Coriolis Effect?

Back

The Coriolis Effect is caused by the Earth rotating on its axis.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Front

How do gyres in the southern hemisphere turn due to the Coriolis Effect?

Back

Gyres in the southern hemisphere turn counterclockwise due to the Coriolis Effect.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Front

What is a gyre?

Back

A gyre is a circular system of currents in the Earth's major oceans.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Front

What is the main difference between surface currents and deep ocean currents?

Back

Surface currents are driven by wind and affect the upper layer of the ocean, while deep ocean currents are driven by differences in water density and temperature.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Front

What role do ocean currents play in climate?

Back

Ocean currents help regulate the Earth's climate by distributing heat from the equator to the poles.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Front

What is upwelling?

Back

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

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

Front

What is the effect of the Earth's rotation on ocean currents?

Back

The Earth's rotation causes ocean currents to curve, a phenomenon known as the Coriolis Effect.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Front

What are the two main types of ocean currents?

Back

The two main types of ocean currents are surface currents and deep ocean currents.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6