WCS Ocean Currents (Lesson 5)

Front

What are ocean currents?

Back

Ocean currents are large-scale movements of water within the world's oceans, driven by factors such as wind, temperature, salinity differences, and the Earth's rotation.

Front

How do ocean currents affect climate?

Back

Ocean currents help regulate the Earth's climate by distributing heat from the equator to the poles, influencing weather patterns and temperatures in coastal regions.

Front

What is the Global Conveyor Belt?

Back

The Global Conveyor Belt is a system of deep-ocean circulation driven by temperature and salinity differences, which takes about 1,000 years for a drop of water to complete a full cycle.

Front

What is the Gulf Stream?

Back

The Gulf Stream is a warm ocean current that originates in the Gulf of Mexico and flows up the east coast of the United States towards Europe, significantly affecting the climate of these regions.

Front

What is salinity?

Back

Salinity is the measure of the amount of salt dissolved in water, which can affect the density and buoyancy of ocean water.

Front

What are surface currents?

Back

Surface currents are ocean currents that occur at or near the top of the ocean, primarily driven by wind and the Earth's rotation.

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 in a curved path.

Front

Which color water has the highest salinity?

Back

Blue water typically has the highest salinity, indicating a higher concentration of dissolved salts.

Front

What is the relationship between temperature and ocean currents?

Back

Temperature differences in ocean water drive currents, with warmer water being less dense and rising, while colder water is denser and sinks.

Front

How do ocean currents influence marine life?

Back

Ocean currents transport nutrients and organisms, affecting the distribution and abundance of marine life in different regions.