Ocean Currents & Waves

Front

In the northern hemisphere, gyres rotate ____________, while in the southern hemisphere, gyres rotate ____________.

Back

Clockwise; Counterclockwise

Front

One reason breaking waves in places like Hawaii and California are more dramatic and better for surfing is...

Back

The ocean floor in California and Hawaii is much steeper, causing waves to get taller and break more dramatically.

Front

The main current that flows around Earth in a 1,000 year cycle is known as the...

Back

Global Conveyor Belt

Front

The deflection of wind and water currents due to the rotation of the Earth is called...

Back

The Coriolis Effect

Front

This picture is a diagram of what type of tide?

Back

Neap

Front

What is the primary cause of ocean currents?

Back

Wind, Earth's rotation, and differences in water density.

Front

What is a gyre?

Back

A large system of circulating ocean currents, particularly those involved with large wind movements.

Front

What are the two types of tides?

Back

Spring tides and Neap tides.

Front

How do ocean currents affect climate?

Back

They help regulate temperatures by distributing heat from the equator to the poles.

Front

What is the difference between a wave and a current?

Back

Waves are surface movements caused by wind, while currents are continuous, directed movements of seawater.