Flashcard: Ocean Characteristics

Front

What are ocean currents?

Back

Ocean currents are large-scale movements of seawater that flow through the ocean, driven by factors such as wind, temperature, salinity, and the Earth's rotation.

Front

What factors affect ocean currents?

Back

The main factors affecting ocean currents include wind, Earth's rotation (Coriolis effect), temperature differences, and salinity levels.

Front

What is the Coriolis effect?

Back

The Coriolis effect is the deflection of moving objects, such as ocean currents, caused by the rotation of the Earth, resulting in currents moving to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere.

Front

What is a density current?

Back

A density current is a type of ocean current that occurs due to differences in water density, often caused by variations in temperature and salinity.

Front

How do density currents affect nutrient distribution in the ocean?

Back

Density currents help in the upwelling of nutrients from the deep ocean, bringing essential nutrients to the surface, which supports marine life.

Front

What is the primary cause of surface ocean currents?

Back

Surface ocean currents are primarily caused by surface winds that push the water in the direction of the wind.

Front

How do ocean currents influence coastal climates?

Back

Ocean currents moderate coastal climates by transporting warm or cold water, which can affect temperature and precipitation patterns along the coast.

Front

What is upwelling?

Back

Upwelling is the process where deep, cold, nutrient-rich water rises to the surface, often due to wind patterns and ocean currents, supporting marine ecosystems.

Front

What role does temperature play in ocean currents?

Back

Temperature differences in ocean water create variations in density, which can drive currents; warmer water is less dense and tends to rise, while cooler water is denser and sinks.

Front

What is the relationship between salinity and ocean currents?

Back

Salinity affects water density; higher salinity increases density, which can contribute to the formation of density currents in the ocean.