Ocean Currents

Front

Ocean Current Noun

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[oh-shun kur-ent]

Back

Ocean Current

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A continuous, directed movement of seawater generated by forces such as wind, temperature differences, and the Earth's rotation.

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Example: Arrows show the direction of ocean currents, explaining how seawater moves globally.

Front

Gyre Noun

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[jai-ur]

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Gyre

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A large system of circulating ocean currents, often forming a circular or spiral pattern within an entire ocean basin.

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Example: Arrows show how ocean currents form large circular patterns called gyres in different ocean basins.

Front

Energy Noun

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[en-er-jee]

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Energy

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The capacity to do work or cause change, which can be transferred between objects and systems in various forms.

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Example: Electrical energy in a bulb converts to light and heat, showing energy transfer.

Front

Temperature Noun

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[tem-per-uh-cher]

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Temperature

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A measure of the average kinetic energy of the particles in a substance, indicating how hot or cold it is.

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Example: Particles move faster in warmer water, shown by thermometers indicating temperature.

Front

Latitude Noun

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[lat-i-tood]

Back

Latitude

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The measurement of distance north or south of the Earth's equator, expressed in degrees, affecting climate and solar energy.

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Example: Sunlight hitting Earth at different angles shows how latitude affects climate and solar energy.

Front

Energy Transfer Noun

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[en-er-jee trans-fur]

Back

Energy Transfer

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The movement of energy from a warmer object or region to a colder one, seeking to achieve thermal equilibrium.

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Example: Arrows show heat moving from warm (red) to cool (blue) areas, like ocean currents.

Front

Model Noun

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[mod-l]

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Model

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A simplified representation of a complex object, system, or process used to help scientists understand and make predictions.

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Example: A model of the solar system shows how planets orbit the sun, simplifying a complex system.

Front

Climate Noun

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[kly-mit]

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Climate

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The long-term pattern of weather in a particular area, including average temperature, precipitation, and wind over many years.

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Example: A graph showing average monthly rainfall and temperature in a tropical rainforest, illustrating climate patterns.

Front

Weather Noun

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[weth-er]

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Weather

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The short-term conditions of the atmosphere at a specific place and time, including temperature, humidity, wind, and precipitation.

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Example: The image shows various atmospheric conditions like temperature and humidity, but it covers broader climate aspects rather than focusing solely on weather.

Front

El Niño Noun

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[el nee-nyo]

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El Niño

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A climate pattern marked by unusually warm surface waters in the eastern Pacific Ocean, affecting global weather patterns.

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Example: The map shows warmer ocean temperatures in the Pacific during El Niño, affecting global weather.