Ocean Currents

Front

What is salinity?

Back

The salt content of a substance.

Front

What is a surface current?

Back

A horizontal movement of ocean water caused by wind, occurring at or near the ocean's surface.

Front

How do warm-water currents affect coastal climates?

Back

They make the coastal climate warmer than the inland climate.

Front

What type of heat transfer is responsible for warm water rising and cold water sinking?

Back

Convection.

Front

What causes certain parts of the ocean to have warmer temperatures?

Back

The uneven heating of the Earth's surface.

Front

What is the Gulf Stream?

Back

A warm ocean current that flows from the Gulf of Mexico along the eastern coast of the United States.

Front

What is a gyre?

Back

A large system of circulating ocean currents, particularly those involved with large wind movements.

Front

What is the global conveyor belt?

Back

A system of deep-ocean circulation driven by temperature and salinity differences.

Front

What is the effect of cold-water currents on coastal areas?

Back

They can make the coastal climate cooler than the inland climate.

Front

What role do ocean currents play in climate?

Back

They help regulate temperatures and weather patterns across the globe.