Unit 1 Lesson 2 Exploration 1 Surface Currents

Unit 1 Lesson 2 Exploration 1 Surface Currents

I will be able to explain factors that affect surface currents.

Multiple Choice

Why does trash collect in areas called "Garbage Patches" in the ocean?

• because the moon causes tides

• because deep ocean currents will grab the trash and pull it down

• because gyres are like huge whirlpools in the ocean and will draw in trash

• because whales will drag the trash into the center of the ocean.

The Formation of Surface Currents

The ocean flows in regular patterns called ocean currents. The horizontal movement of water in a regular pattern at the ocean's surface is called a surface current.

Multiple Choice

What patterns do you see when comparing the global surface winds with the global surface currents?

• in most areas, the winds and the currents move in opposite directions

• in most areas, the winds and the currents move in similar directions.

Multiple Choice

Choose which diagram represents surface currents.

Multiple Choice

Choose which diagram represents surface winds.

Factors That Affect Surface Currents

Surface currents are affected by 3 factors: global winds, continents and Earth's rotation.

Global Winds

Surface winds cause surface currents by transferring energy to ocean water.

Multiple Choice

In the picture the wind energy is being transferred to the...

• sun

• to the water causing it to move

• back to the wind

Continental Deflections

When surface currents reach continents, they deflect or change direction.

Multiple Choice

What happens to the colored water in the video when it approaches the rocks?

• the water goes through the rock

• the water washes over the rock

• the water moves under the rock

• the water is deflected around the rock

The Coriolis Effect

Earth's surface currents flow in huge circular patterns called GYRES. One reason for the gyres is the rotation of the Earth.

Multiple Choice

In which direction does the Earth rotate?

• clockwise

• counterclockwise