Ocean Currents

Front

What are ocean currents?

Back

Movements of ocean water in a continuous flow.

Front

What happens to water temperature and salinity as you go deeper in the ocean?

Back

Water generally becomes colder and saltier as you go deeper.

Front

What is upwelling?

Back

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

Front

What is the scientific name for the Global Conveyor Belt?

Back

Thermohaline circulation.

Front

How does the Coriolis Effect influence ocean currents in the southern hemisphere?

Back

Water moves counter-clockwise due to the Coriolis Effect.

Front

What is downwelling?

Back

The process where surface water sinks to deeper layers of the ocean.

Front

What factors influence ocean currents?

Back

Wind, water temperature, salinity, and the Earth's rotation.

Front

What is thermohaline circulation?

Back

A global system of ocean currents driven by temperature and salinity differences.

Front

What role do ocean currents play in climate?

Back

They help regulate temperatures and weather patterns around the globe.

Front

What is the difference between surface currents and deep-water currents?

Back

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