Ocean Currents

Front

What causes ocean currents due to differences in water density?

Back

Differences in temperature and salinity.

Front

What happens to water when different parts of the oceans are heated unevenly?

Back

Water moves in convection currents.

Front

What is El Niño?

Back

A weather pattern that causes warmer surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean, affecting weather patterns.

Front

How do ocean currents affect global climate?

Back

They moderate the global climate by moving cooler and warmer water between the poles and the equator.

Front

What is upwelling in oceanography?

Back

A process where warm surface water is pushed out to sea, causing cold water to rise to the surface.

Front

What is the primary driver of ocean currents?

Back

Wind, temperature differences, and salinity differences.

Front

What is the effect of warm water on air above it?

Back

Warm air tends to rise, creating convection currents.

Front

How do ocean currents influence weather patterns?

Back

They transfer heat around the ocean, affecting climate and weather.

Front

What is the relationship between ocean currents and salinity?

Back

Differences in salinity can create density differences, influencing the movement of ocean currents.

Front

What role do ocean currents play in the water cycle?

Back

They help distribute heat and moisture, influencing precipitation patterns.