Ocean Currents Flashcard

Front

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of surface currents?

• Horizontal movement
• Movement in the form of a current
• Occur in the depths of the ocean
• Controlled by global winds

Back

Occur in the depths of the ocean

Front

What is the main factor that causes the formation of winds?

Back

Differences in atmospheric pressure

Front

What type of current is the Benguela Current?

Back

Cold

Front

Salinity

Back

The amount of dissolved salts in water

Front

Water with high salinity is ______ dense.

Back

more

Front

Thermocline

Back

A transition layer between warmer surface water and colder deep water

Front

Result of changes in temperature and salinity:

Back

Pycnocline

Front

What is a circular system of currents in the major oceans of the Earth?

Back

gyre

Front

The regular movements of water far below the surface of the oceans are called

Back

Deep Currents

Front

Where do warm currents originate from?

Back

the Equator