Ocean Currents

Front

What are ocean currents?

Back

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

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

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 circulation driven by temperature and salinity differences, which helps regulate climate by distributing heat around the planet.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Front

What factors affect ocean water density?

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Temperature and salinity are the two main factors that affect ocean water density.

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Where is ocean water the densest?

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Ocean water is densest at the bottom of the ocean due to higher pressure and lower temperatures.

Front

What is the Coriolis Effect?

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The Coriolis Effect is the deflection of moving objects, such as ocean currents, caused by the rotation of the Earth on its axis.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Front

How do ocean currents affect climate?

Back

Ocean currents transport warm and cold water across the globe, influencing weather patterns and climate in coastal regions.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Front

What role does gravity play in ocean currents?

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Gravity helps drive the movement of ocean currents by pulling denser water down and allowing lighter water to rise.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Front

What is the relationship between temperature and salinity in ocean water?

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Temperature and salinity together determine the density of ocean water, affecting how currents flow.

Front

How do wind patterns influence ocean currents?

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Wind patterns create friction on the ocean surface, pushing water and generating surface currents.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Front

What is upwelling?

Back

Upwelling is the process where deep, cold, nutrient-rich water rises to the surface, often supporting rich marine ecosystems.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-3