Waves, Tides, and Currents

Front

What is a wave?

Back

A wave is a disturbance that transfers energy through space or matter, often seen in water, sound, and light.

Front

What causes tides?

Back

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

Front

What is a high tide?

Back

A high tide is the point at which the water level is at its highest due to the gravitational pull of the moon or sun.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

Front

What is a low tide?

Back

A low tide is the point at which the water level is at its lowest, occurring between high tides.

Front

What is the Gulf Stream?

Back

The Gulf Stream is the fastest and warmest ocean current in the world, flowing from the Gulf of Mexico along the eastern coast of the United States.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Front

What are gyres?

Back

Gyres are large systems of circulating ocean currents, typically driven by wind patterns and the Coriolis effect.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Front

What is the Coriolis effect?

Back

The Coriolis effect is the deflection of moving objects caused by the rotation of the Earth, affecting wind and ocean currents.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Front

What is salinity?

Back

Salinity is the measure of the amount of salt dissolved in water, which affects water density.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

Front

What is the relationship between temperature and salinity in seawater?

Back

Temperature and salinity together control the density of seawater, influencing ocean currents.

Front

What are deep ocean currents?

Back

Deep ocean currents are movements of water that occur below the surface, driven by differences in water density.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6