14.1 Ocean Currents

Front

What are ocean currents?

Back

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

Front

How do ocean currents in the Southern Hemisphere move?

Back

Ocean currents in the Southern Hemisphere turn counter-clockwise.

Front

What is the difference between surface currents and deep currents?

Back

Surface currents are warmer and less dense, while deep currents are colder and denser.

Front

What happens to water as it gets denser?

Back

As water gets denser, it sinks toward the ocean floor.

Front

What is the name of the raft used by Thor Heyerdahl to drift from Peru to Polynesia?

Back

The raft is called Kon-Tiki.

Front

What occurs when a surface current deflects?

Back

When a surface current deflects, it changes direction.

Front

What factors influence ocean currents?

Back

Ocean currents are influenced by wind, the Earth's rotation (Coriolis effect), temperature, salinity, and the shape of coastlines.

Front

What is the Coriolis effect?

Back

The Coriolis effect is the deflection of moving objects, such as ocean currents, due to the rotation of the Earth.

Front

Why are deep ocean currents colder than surface currents?

Back

Deep ocean currents are colder because they originate from polar regions where water is chilled and becomes denser.

Front

What role do ocean currents play in climate?

Back

Ocean currents help regulate climate by distributing heat around the planet, influencing weather patterns and temperatures.