Ocean Currents, Tides, and Upwelling

The movement of deep, cold, nutrient-filled water to the surface of the ocean, which supports marine life.

Density is affected by temperature and salinity (salt concentration).

The deflection of moving objects (like ocean currents) caused by the rotation of the Earth on its axis.

Tides are caused by the gravitational pull of the moon and the sun on the Earth's oceans.

Upwelling brings nutrient-rich water to the surface, supporting the growth of phytoplankton, which forms the base of the marine food web.

Large-scale movements of water within the oceans, driven by wind, the Earth's rotation, and differences in water density.

Surface currents are driven by wind and affect the upper layer of the ocean, while deep currents are driven by density differences and occur below the surface.

Colder water is denser than warmer water, causing it to sink.

Higher salinity increases water density, causing it to sink.

The Gulf Stream is a warm ocean current that influences climate and weather patterns in the North Atlantic region.