6th Flashcard - Ocean Currents

Front

What are ocean currents?

Back

Ocean currents are large-scale movements of seawater that flow through the oceans, driven by factors such as wind, temperature differences, and salinity.

Front

What causes ocean currents?

Back

Ocean currents can be caused by tides, wind (Sun’s energy), and differences in salinity of ocean water.

Front

What is the effect of the Sun’s energy on ocean currents?

Back

The Sun’s energy heats the Earth unequally, which leads to convection currents and winds that create ocean currents.

Front

What is a volcanic island?

Back

A volcanic island is a seafloor structure created by a buildup of cooled lava that breaks the surface of the ocean.

Front

What is the temperature of the current going from west to east around Antarctica?

Back

The current is carrying cold water.

Front

What is the ocean floor like if all the ocean water drained out?

Back

The ocean floor would be filled with all kinds of mountains and valleys, similar to land.

Front

What is salinity?

Back

Salinity is the concentration of salts in water, which can affect the density and movement of ocean currents.

Front

What is the role of convection currents in ocean currents?

Back

Convection currents help distribute heat in the ocean, influencing the movement of ocean currents.

Front

How do ocean currents affect climate?

Back

Ocean currents help regulate climate by distributing heat around the planet, influencing weather patterns.

Front

What is the difference between surface currents and deep ocean currents?

Back

Surface currents are driven by wind and affect the upper layer of the ocean, while deep ocean currents are driven by differences in temperature and salinity.