Ocean Currents

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What is Atmospheric Movement?

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Global air circulation patterns within the atmosphere held to Earth by gravity and warmed as heat radiates from Earth.

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What is Convection?

Back

Heat transfer caused by the rising of hotter, less dense fluids and the falling of cooler, denser fluid.

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What is the Coriolis Effect?

Back

The deflection of moving air as a result of the Earth’s rotation.

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What is Climate?

Back

Average weather patterns for a particular region.

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What are Convection Currents?

Back

Circular movement of fluids caused by the rising of hotter, less dense fluid and the falling of cooler, denser fluid.

Front

What causes Ocean Currents?

Back

Ocean currents are caused by wind, water density differences, and the Earth's rotation.

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How do Ocean Currents affect climate?

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Ocean currents help regulate temperatures and weather patterns by distributing heat around the planet.

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What is the role of the Sun in Ocean Currents?

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The Sun heats the Earth's surface, causing temperature differences that drive ocean currents.

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What is the difference between surface currents and deep ocean currents?

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

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What is upwelling?

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Upwelling is the process where deep, cold water rises to the surface, bringing nutrients that support marine life.