Ocean Currents

Front

What is the Global Conveyor Belt?

Back

A constantly moving system of deep-ocean circulation driven by temperature and salinity that moves water around the globe.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Front

What drives surface currents in the ocean?

Back

Global Wind Patterns.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Front

Why are surface currents found at the surface of the ocean?

Back

Because of warmer temperature and less salinity.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Front

What do ocean currents bring from the equator towards the poles?

Back

Warm water.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Front

What causes deep ocean currents?

Back

Density differences in water.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Front

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

Back

Surface currents are primarily driven by wind, while deep ocean currents are driven by differences in water density.

Front

How do ocean currents affect climate?

Back

They help regulate temperatures by distributing heat around the planet.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Front

What is salinity?

Back

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

Front

What role does Earth's rotation play in ocean currents?

Back

It causes the Coriolis effect, which influences the direction of currents.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Front

What is the Gulf Stream?

Back

A warm ocean current that originates in the Gulf of Mexico and flows up the eastern coast of the United States.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6