Characteristics of Oceans

Physical Characteristics & Motion of the Ocean

 a moving ridge or swell on the surface of the ocean caused by the wind

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Waves

 the rise and fall of sea level caused primarily by the gravitational pull between the Earth and moon

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Tides

continuous, directed movements of a large body of water caused by wind patterns and differences in salinity and temperature

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Currents

• The Gulf Stream is a warm Atlantic Ocean current.

• Ocean currents affect the mixing of ocean waters. This can affect plant and animal populations. Currents also affect navigation routes.

Multiple Choice

Movements of ocean water in a continuous flow are called?

• ocean currents
• global winds
• waves

• front

Multiple Choice

The rise and fall of sea level

• Waves

• Tides

• Currents

Multiple Choice

 A moving ridge or swell on the surface of the ocean caused by the wind

• ocean

• current

• waves

• tides

Salinity

• Ocean water contains dissolved salts, measured as salinity

• Salinity = amount of salt dissolved in a body of water

• Salinity varies based on evaporation rates and runoff​

Salinity

• Heat from the sun affects the amount of salt in ocean water

• At the Equator the Sun’s heat warms the ocean water.  As the water heats up it evaporates leaving its salt behind

• The more water that evaporates, the saltier the ocean water becomes

• Salty water is heavy and it sinks

• Less salty water rises to the surface because it is lighter

Ocean Temperature

• As the depth of ocean water increases, the temperature decreases

As you move towards the bottom of the ocean, the

temperature is colder

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Ocean Depth

• As the depth of ocean water increases, the amount of light decreases.

As you move towards the bottom of the ocean, less light from the sun/gets darker

Multiple Select

Select all the physical characteristics of the ocean that affect where marine organisms can live.

• ocean

• depth

• temperature

• wind

• salinity

Multiple Choice

As the depth of ocean water increases, the amount of light _______

• increase

• decreases

Multiple Choice

The amount of salt found in water is -

• temperature
• salinity
• pollution
• depth

Multiple Choice

As the depth of ocean water _______ the temperature decreases.  

• increase

• decreases

Multiple Choice

What is the main cause Tides?

• Gravitational pull of the Moon on Earth

• Force acting alone

• Winds pushed on Earth's surface

• Marine organisms

Multiple Choice

What causes waves in the ocean?

• Throwing rocks

• Moving boats

• Wind

• None

Multiple Choice

When water evaporates from the surface of the ocean. What is left behind?

• Water pressure

• Humidity

• Sand

• Salt