Unit 8 Review - Oceanography

Front

What is an ocean current?

Back

An ocean current is a continuous, directed movement of seawater generated by various forces acting upon it, including wind, the Coriolis effect, and differences in water density.

Front

What is the difference between warm and cold ocean currents?

Back

Warm ocean currents originate near the equator and move towards the poles, while cold ocean currents originate near the poles and move towards the equator.

Front

What role do ocean currents play in climate?

Back

Ocean currents help regulate climate by redistributing heat from the equator to the poles, influencing weather patterns and temperatures.

Front

What are prevailing winds?

Back

Prevailing winds are winds that blow predominantly from a single general direction over a particular point on the Earth's surface.

Front

What is the thermocline?

Back

The thermocline is a layer in a body of water where the temperature changes rapidly with depth, separating warmer surface water from colder deep water.

Front

What is the halocline?

Back

The halocline is a layer in a body of water where the salinity changes rapidly with depth.

Front

What is the pycnocline?

Back

The pycnocline is a layer in a body of water where the density changes rapidly with depth, often due to variations in temperature and salinity.

Front

How does the Coriolis effect influence ocean currents?

Back

The Coriolis effect causes moving air and water to turn and twist, influencing the direction of ocean currents based on the hemisphere.

Front

What is downwelling in oceanography?

Back

Downwelling is the process where surface water sinks due to increased density, often caused by cooling or increased salinity.

Front

What is upwelling in oceanography?

Back

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