Ocean Currents Review

Front

What causes surface currents north and south of the equator to move in different directions?

Back

The rotation of the Earth.

Front

What does thermohaline circulation distribute?

Back

Heat, nutrients, and carbon dioxide.

Front

What is a cool current in the Pacific Ocean near North America that brings cold water down from Canada?

Back

California Current.

Front

What is the more scientific name of the Global Conveyor Belt?

Back

Thermohaline circulation.

Front

How do nutrients move in the ocean as a result of upwelling?

Back

Nutrients move from deep, colder areas to warm, shallow areas.

Front

What is the primary driver of ocean currents?

Back

Wind and the Earth's rotation.

Front

What is the effect of the Coriolis force on ocean currents?

Back

It causes currents to curve to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere.

Front

What is the Gulf Stream?

Back

A warm ocean current that originates in the Gulf of Mexico and flows up the eastern coast of the United States.

Front

What role do ocean currents play in climate?

Back

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

Front

What is upwelling?

Back

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