Ocean Circulation

Front

What is ocean circulation?

Back

The large-scale movement of water in the world's oceans, driven by factors such as wind, temperature, and salinity.

Front

What are ocean currents?

Back

Continuous, directed movements of seawater generated by various forces acting upon the water, including wind, the Coriolis effect, and differences in water density.

Front

What is the Global Conveyor Belt?

Back

A global system of ocean currents that circulates warm and cold water around the globe, influencing climate and weather patterns.

Front

What is upwelling?

Back

The rising of cold water to replace warmer surface water that has been displaced by wind.

Front

How do temperature and salinity affect ocean density?

Back

Higher salinity and lower temperature increase the density of ocean water, causing it to sink.

Front

What role do ocean currents play in climate?

Back

Ocean currents help distribute heat around the planet, influencing climate by transporting warm water from the equator to the poles.

Front

What is the Coriolis Effect?

Back

The deflection of moving objects, including ocean currents, caused by the rotation of the Earth.

Front

What happens to ocean water at the poles?

Back

Ocean water becomes colder, and as ice forms, the remaining water becomes saltier and denser.

Front

Why is the California Current cold?

Back

The California Current is a cold ocean current that flows southward along the western coast of North America, bringing colder water from the north.

Front

What is thermohaline circulation?

Back

A part of the global conveyor belt driven by differences in temperature and salinity, affecting deep ocean currents.