Ocean Currents Review

Based on the illustration, which of the following statements describes the relationship between density and temperature? 

• Cold water is denser than warm water
• Warm water is denser than cold water
• Warm and cold water equal densities
• The density of water is not affected by temperature

What two factors determine the density of water in deep currents? 

• Salinity and temperature
• Coriolis Effect and wind
• Upwelling and dissolved solids
• Continental deflection and convection

What 3 factors most directly affect surface currents in the ocean? 

• Dissolved solids, gases & energy
• Upwelling, convection & sun's energy
• Deep currents, convection currents & surface wind
• Surface wind, Coriolis effect & continental deflection

Deep ocean currents are caused by differences in density of the water.  Which statement accurately describes the relationships between salinity, temperature, and density of ocean water? 

• Cold water, holding less salt, sinks towards the bottom of the ocean. 
• Warm water, holding more salt, sinks towards the bottom of the ocean. 
• Warm water, holding less salt, rises toward the surface of the ocean. 
• Warm water, holding more salt, rises towards the surface of the ocean. 

Which of the following statements does NOT  accurately describe the importance of the Gulf Stream?  

• The Gulf Stream is responsible for the mild climate of Florida. 
• The Gulf Stream transports heat from the equator towards Western Europe.  
• The Gulf Stream increases travel speed from southern areas to Western Europe. 
• The Gulf Stream is responsible for removing heat from Western Europe and transferring it to equatorial countries.  

El Nino and La Nina are two periodic changes in ocean circulation patterns.  which of these statements best describes their effect on global climate?  

• El Nino and La Nina tend to peak during winter months, so by the summer months the climate patterns return to normal conditions.  
• El Nino carries warm water, increasing rainfall along the coast of Chile, while La Nina brings cold water upwellings to western South America. 
• El Nino and La Nina are recent disturbances in ocean currents oscillating between warm and cold conditions caused by the greenhouse effect.  
• El Nino and La Nina exclusively affect the climate of the southern Pacific Ocean including South America, Australia and Indonesia.  

What causes the upwelling of cold water forming the El Nina weather phenomenon? 

• Weak Trade winds
• Strong Ocean currents
• Strong Trade winds
• Weak Ocean currents

El Nino causes warmer than usual Pacific ocean water temperatures off the coast of S. America (Peru). How does this impact hurricane formation in the Atlantic Ocean? 

• Hurricane formation is NOT impacted.
• Hurricane formation increases.
• Hurricane formation decreases.
• Very strong hurricanes form.

Which of the following is NOT a result of the warming waters in the Pacific Ocean due to El Nino? 

• Decrease amount of fish off coast of Peru
• Less disease, like Malaria in Africa
• Fewer Hurricanes in the Atlantic 
• Flooding in Australia

What is the name of the warm ocean current that creates a mild climate for Florida? 

• California Current
• Gulf Stream Current
• East Australian Current
• Peru Current