Ocean Currents

Front

What is salinity?

Back

The salt content of a substance.

Front

What do ocean currents move in the form of?

Back

Heat.

Front

What explains why certain parts of the ocean have warmer temperatures?

Back

The uneven heating of the Earth's surface.

Front

What are the two types of water currents?

Back

Surface and deep.

Front

How do currents affect an area's climate?

Back

Currents release heat energy, which can affect the climate.

Front

What is the main driver of ocean currents?

Back

Wind and the Earth's rotation.

Front

What is upwelling?

Back

The process where deep, cold water rises to the surface.

Front

How do ocean currents influence weather patterns?

Back

They distribute heat around the planet, affecting temperature and precipitation.

Front

What is the Coriolis effect?

Back

The deflection of moving objects caused by the rotation of the Earth.

Front

What are gyres?

Back

Large systems of circulating ocean currents.