Ocean Currents and Air Masses

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is responsible for driving convection currents within Earth's oceans?

• The Moon

• The Sun

• Wind

• Earthquakes

Multiple Choice

Which of the following best explains how convection currents in the atmosphere contribute to weather patterns?

• Warm air rises and cool air sinks, creating wind and weather patterns.

• Cool air rises and warm air sinks, creating weather patterns.

• Convection currents only affect ocean currents, not weather.

• The Sun heats the ground, which directly creates storms.

Multiple Select

Which of the following are required conditions for the formation of a tropical cyclone?

• Warm ocean water of at least 80°F

• Moist air

• High air pressure

• Rotation due to the Coriolis Effect

Open Ended

Describe the conditions necessary for the formation of major storms such as cyclones, typhoons, and hurricanes, and explain how ocean currents interact with air masses to create these storms.

Multiple Select

Which of the following are possible impacts of strong storms?

• Damage to homes and buildings

• Flooding

• Storm surges

• Increase in air pressure

Open Ended

What drives weather patterns within oceans and the atmosphere?

Multiple Choice

How do ocean currents help regulate Earth's climate patterns?

• By transporting warm water from the equator to the poles and cold water from the poles to the equator

• By increasing the temperature of the oceans only

• By keeping all ocean water at the same temperature

• By preventing any movement of water in the oceans

Open Ended

How do you think scientists are able to track the movement of tropical cyclones?

Open Ended

Reflecting on what you learned about ocean currents, what questions do you still have or what would you like to know more about regarding their impact on weather and climate?