Ocean and Atmospheric Convection

There are two components that cause the motion of all three examples of convection currents: energy and gravity. 

Determine the sources of energy that start the currents in each of these examples. What conclusion can be made about the type of energy drives convection currents?

HINT: MELTS

Mechanic, electrical, light, thermal or sound.

Earth’s Oceans

• Convection currents flow within the oceans.

• Temperature (solar heating) and salinity affects the density of water creating global currents.

• ​ (a)   dense water sinks.

• ​ (b)   dense water rises.

Which statement correctly describes what happens when water with different densities is present?

What causes most of the Ocean Currents?

• A continuous flow of water in a particular direction, created mainly by surface winds.

• Surface ocean currents drive weather patterns.

• Warm water is transported from the equator towards the poles.

• Cold water is transported from the poles towards the equator

High pressure (H)

• As air masses cool, they becomes more dense and sinks toward the Earth’s surface

Low pressure (L)

• As air masses warm, they becomes less dense and rises above the Earth’s surface

  Label

  Using the words “cool” and “warm,” fill in the temperature of the arrows:

  Red arrow:

  Blue arrow: