Ocean Waves and Currents

Front

What primarily causes most ocean waves?

Back

Wind.

Front

Why can a person float more easily in ocean water than in a swimming pool?

Back

Ocean water is denser.

Front

What happens to temperature and salinity as ocean depth increases?

Back

Temperature decreases, salinity increases.

Front

How do deep ocean currents form?

Back

They form as cold, dense water sinks and flows beneath warm ocean water.

Front

What is the Coriolis Effect?

Back

The Coriolis Effect arises from the rotation of the Earth on its axis.

Front

What is the definition of ocean currents?

Back

Ocean currents are large-scale movements of water within the oceans.

Front

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

Back

Surface currents are driven by wind, while deep ocean currents are driven by differences in water density.

Front

What role does temperature play in ocean currents?

Back

Temperature affects water density, which drives the movement of ocean currents.

Front

What is salinity?

Back

Salinity is the concentration of salts in water.

Front

How does salinity affect water density?

Back

Higher salinity increases water density.