Ocean Currents Flashcard Review

Front

Which ocean currents are created by the friction between persistent surface winds and the ocean's surface?

Back

Wind-driven currents

Front

Thermohaline circulation helps regulating Earth's climate and supports marine life by distributing heat and nutrients throughout the ocean.

Back

True

Front

What connects all of Earth's oceans, transports heat, nutrients, and dissolved gases around the globe?

Back

thermohaline circulation

Front

What are gyres?

Back

a circular system of currents in the Earth's major oceans

Front

What is the primary force that creates wind-driven ocean currents?

Back

surface wind friction

Front

In the Northern Hemisphere, the Coriolis effect causes currents to deflect in which direction?

Back

to the right

Front

Which process causes surface water to move at a 45-degree angle to wind direction?

Back

Ekman transport

Front

What creates density differences in ocean water?

Back

Temperature and salinity

Front

How long can it take for a water molecule to complete one cycle in the global conveyor belt?

Back

1,000 years

Front

What is the strongest ocean current in the world?

Back

Antarctic Circumpolar Current