Oceans

Front

What is salinity?

Back

Salinity is the total amount of dissolved salts in a sample of water.

Front

How does convection occur in ocean currents?

Back

In ocean currents, warm water rises and cold water sinks.

Front

What is the largest surface current in North America?

Back

The Gulf Stream is the largest surface current in North America.

Front

What mainly causes surface currents in the ocean?

Back

Surface currents are mainly caused by prevailing winds.

Front

What is the Coriolis Effect?

Back

The Coriolis Effect is the phenomenon that causes currents in the Northern Hemisphere to rotate clockwise.

Front

What are ocean currents?

Back

Ocean currents are large-scale movements of water within the oceans, driven by various factors including wind, temperature, and salinity.

Front

What is upwelling?

Back

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

Front

What role do prevailing winds play in ocean currents?

Back

Prevailing winds drive the surface currents of the ocean, influencing their direction and speed.

Front

What is the difference between surface currents and deep ocean currents?

Back

Surface currents are found in the upper layer of the ocean and are primarily driven by wind, while deep ocean currents are driven by differences in water density and temperature.

Front

What is the significance of the Gulf Stream?

Back

The Gulf Stream is significant because it transports warm water from the Gulf of Mexico to the North Atlantic, influencing climate and weather patterns.