Ocean Currents

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What are ocean currents?

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Ocean currents are large-scale movements of water within the oceans, driven by factors such as wind, temperature, salinity differences, and the Earth's rotation.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Front

What causes ocean currents to change direction when they meet land?

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Ocean currents change direction when they come in contact with a continent or landmass due to the obstruction and alteration of flow patterns.

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What happens to nutrients from decaying ocean plants and animals?

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Nutrients produced from the decay of ocean plants and animals sink to the bottom of the ocean.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

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How many major gyres are there in each ocean?

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There is 1 major gyre in each ocean.

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Where do warm ocean currents generally originate?

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Warm ocean currents generally come from the Equator.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Front

What is the Gulf Stream?

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The Gulf Stream is 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

Front

What is the California Current?

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The California Current is a cold ocean current that flows southward along the western coast of North America.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Front

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.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Front

What is the Global Conveyor Belt?

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The Global Conveyor Belt is a system of deep-ocean currents that circulate water around the globe, playing a crucial role in regulating climate and nutrient distribution.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Front

What role do ocean currents play in marine ecosystems?

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Ocean currents transport nutrients, oxygen, and organisms, supporting diverse marine ecosystems.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6