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What are surface ocean currents?

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Surface ocean currents are large-scale movements of water that occur at the surface of the ocean, primarily driven by wind and the Earth's rotation.

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What causes cold ocean currents?

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Cold ocean currents generally originate from polar regions, specifically the North Pole and the South Pole.

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What is the Coriolis effect?

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The Coriolis effect is the phenomenon where the rotation of the Earth causes surface currents to curve instead of traveling in a straight line.

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How do ocean currents move energy?

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Ocean currents move energy primarily in the form of heat, distributing warmth across different regions of the ocean.

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What are global winds?

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Global winds are winds that blow across the surface of the Earth, influencing the movement of ocean currents.

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What is a gyre?

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

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What role do winds play in ocean currents?

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Winds are a primary driving force for surface ocean currents, pushing water in specific directions.

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What is upwelling?

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

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How do ocean currents affect climate?

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

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What is the difference between warm and cold currents?

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Warm currents originate near the equator and carry warm water, while cold currents come from polar regions and carry cooler water.