TRMS Oceanography

What is the main cause for the formation of surface currents AND waves in the ocean?

• The moon's gravitational pull on Earth's waters
• The wind blowing across Earth's surface.
• Strong earthquakes and underwater landslides
• The differences in ocean water's densities

Which ocean borders North and South America, Africa, and Europe?

• Atlantic

• Indian

• Southern

• Pacific

What do waves and surface currents have in common?

• They both curve clockwise due to Earth's rotation.
• They are formed when the wind's energy is transferred to the ocean's surface.
• They are created when cold, salty water sinks.
• They both influence the climate of coastal regions.

About how many hours pass between each low tide?

• 24 hours
• 18 hours
• 12 hours
• 6 hours

What factor can decrease the salinity of ocean water?

• evaporation from the surface of the ocean
• the freezing of ocean water
• increased condensation to form clouds
• being at the mouth of a river

How does the salinity of the Dead Sea affect its density?

• Dead Sea water is more dense because of its high salinity.
• Dead Sea water is less dense because of its high salinity.
• Dead Sea water is more dense because of its low salinity.
• Dead Sea water is less dense because of its low salinity.

Which statement is TRUE about the moon's effect on Earth's water?

• Even if the moon disappeared Earth would still have weak tides due to the sun's gravity.
• Because the moon is closer its gravitational pull on Earth's water is greater than that of the sun.
• The moon and sun's gravitational pulls combine to form spring tides twice a month.
• All of these statements are true about the moon's effect on Earth's water.

What causes Earth's surface currents to curve rather than move in straight paths?

• Wind blowing across the ocean
• Earth's revolution around the sun
• Earth's rotation on its axis
• The moon's gravitational pull

What type of tide is being shown?

• low tide
• spring tide
• high tide
• neap tide

How much time passes between a spring tide and a neap tide?

• 12 hours
• 24 hours
• 2 weeks
• 7 days