Ocean Currents

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 and across the Atlantic Ocean towards Europe, raising temperatures of coastal Europe.

Front

What event occurred on January 10th, 1992, involving a cargo ship?

Back

A cargo ship lost approximately 29,000 bathtub toys into the ocean, which became part of a science experiment to collect data on ocean currents.

Front

What primarily causes surface ocean currents?

Back

Wind is the main force that drives surface ocean currents.

Front

What is deep ocean circulation also known as?

Back

Thermohaline Circulation, which is driven by differences in water density due to temperature and salinity.

Front

What does salinity refer to in oceanography?

Back

The amount of dissolved salt in water.

Front

What is the Coriolis Effect?

Back

The apparent deflection of moving objects (like ocean currents) caused by the rotation of the Earth.

Front

What is upwelling?

Back

The process where deep, cold water rises to the surface, bringing nutrients that support marine life.

Front

What is the difference between warm and cold ocean currents?

Back

Warm currents transport warm water from the equator towards the poles, while cold currents carry cold water from the poles towards the equator.

Front

How do ocean currents affect climate?

Back

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

Front

What role do ocean currents play in marine ecosystems?

Back

They transport nutrients and organisms, influencing biodiversity and the distribution of marine species.