ocean currents

Front

What are ocean currents?

Back

Movement of ocean water in one direction; surface currents that result from steady winds over the ocean surface.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Front

What is thermohaline circulation?

Back

A type of ocean current controlled by both temperature and salinity.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Front

How does climate differ from weather?

Back

Climate is based on observations made for a region over several years, whereas weather is based on day-to-day observations made for a region.

Front

What conditions are necessary for the formation of thunderstorms and hurricanes?

Back

Air moving toward the center of a storm and rising into the atmosphere.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Front

What is the Coriolis effect?

Back

The phenomenon that causes winds to turn to the right in the northern hemisphere.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Front

What factors influence ocean currents?

Back

Temperature, salinity, wind patterns, and the Earth's rotation.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Front

What are surface currents?

Back

Ocean currents that occur at the surface of the ocean, primarily driven by wind.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Front

What is the role of salinity in ocean currents?

Back

Salinity affects the density of seawater, which influences the movement of ocean currents.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Front

How do ocean currents affect climate?

Back

Ocean currents help regulate temperatures and weather patterns by distributing heat around the planet.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Front

What is upwelling?

Back

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

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-3