Ocean Currents and Climate Events

Front

What causes the pattern of ocean currents to change during La Niña and El Niño events?

Back

Wind

Front

What is the temperature and salinity of ocean water near ice caps?

Back

Cold and salty

Front

What happens to the density of liquid water when the temperature decreases?

Back

It increases.

Front

Do Earth's oceans carry only water?

Back

No, they carry matter (good and bad) and energy all over the globe.

Front

What is the transfer of heat from one place to another in liquids and gases due to temperature and density called?

Back

Convection Currents

Front

What are ocean currents?

Back

Large-scale movements of water within the oceans, driven by factors like wind, temperature, and salinity.

Front

How do ocean currents affect climate?

Back

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

Front

What is the difference between El Niño and La Niña?

Back

El Niño is characterized by warmer ocean temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific, while La Niña is characterized by cooler ocean temperatures.

Front

What role does salinity play in ocean currents?

Back

Salinity affects water density, which influences the movement of ocean currents.

Front

What is the Coriolis effect?

Back

The Coriolis effect is the deflection of moving objects, like ocean currents, due to the rotation of the Earth.