Ocean Currents

Front

What is ocean current?

Back

A continuous, directed movement of seawater generated by various forces acting upon the water, including wind, the Coriolis effect, and differences in water density.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Front

What factors affect the density of seawater?

Back

Salinity and temperature are the primary factors that affect seawater density.

Front

How does high salinity affect water density?

Back

High salinity increases the density of water, making it heavier.

Front

How does temperature affect water density?

Back

Higher temperatures decrease the density of water, while lower temperatures increase it.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-4

Front

What causes surface ocean currents?

Back

Surface ocean currents are primarily caused by wind.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Front

What is the Coriolis effect?

Back

The apparent deflection of moving air and water due to Earth's rotation.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Front

What is the relationship between ocean currents and climate?

Back

Ocean currents help regulate climate by distributing heat around the planet.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Front

What is the difference between weather and climate?

Back

Weather refers to short-term atmospheric conditions, while climate refers to long-term weather patterns in a region.

Front

What is the density of an object with a mass of 20 grams and a volume of 10 ml?

Back

The density is 2.0 g/ml, and the object will sink in water.

Front

What is the role of convection in ocean currents?

Back

Convection helps create deep ocean currents by moving warmer, less dense water upwards and cooler, denser water downwards.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6