Surface Ocean Currents

Front

What are surface ocean currents?

Back

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.

Front

What causes cold ocean currents?

Back

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

Front

What is the Coriolis effect?

Back

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

Front

How do ocean currents move energy?

Back

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

Front

What are global winds?

Back

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

Front

What is a gyre?

Back

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

Front

What role do winds play in ocean currents?

Back

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

Front

What is upwelling?

Back

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

Front

How do ocean currents affect climate?

Back

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

Front

What is the difference between warm and cold currents?

Back

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