Unit 2 - Lesson 4 - Ocean Currents

Looking at this map, what conclusion can you draw about Earth's surface currents?

• Surface currents in the Eastern Hemisphere flow in a counterclockwise direction.

• Surface currents in the Western Hemisphere flow in a counterclockwise direction.

• Surface currents in the Southern Hemisphere flow in a counterclockwise direction.

• Surface currents in the Northern Hemisphere flow in a counterclockwise direction.

Using this image, what can you conclude about Earth's surface currents?

• Surface currents in the Eastern Hemisphere flow in a counterclockwise direction.

• Surface currents in the Western Hemisphere flow in a clockwise direction.

• Surface currents in the Northern Hemisphere flow in a clockwise direction.

• Surface currents in the Southern Hemisphere flow in a clockwise direction.

Looking at this map of the west coast of the United States, the arrow on the map shows a surface current in the Pacific Ocean. What do you predict will happen to the current as it gets closer to the coast?

• The current will stop flowing.

• The current will change direction.

• The path of the current will curve left.

• The current will flow in the opposite direction.

What causes convection currents to form in the oceans?

• surface winds

• the Coriolis Effect

• continental deflection

• differences in water density

Which factors below most directly affect surface currents in the oceans.

• global winds, the Coriolis Effect, and continental Deflection

• upwelling, convection, and the sun's energy

• dissolved solids, dissolved gases, and the sun's energy

• deep currents, convection currents, and surface winds

What causes convection currents to form in the oceans?

• surface winds

• the Coriolis Effect

• continental deflection

• differences in water density

How does convection cause ocean currents?

• During the process of convection, energy is transferred to the atmosphere, forming winds. These winds power surface currents.

• During the process of convection, the heating of surface water by the sun results in upwelling.

• During the process of convection, water that was warmed by the sun loses heat. The water cools, becomes denser, and sinks.

• During the process of convection, more minerals and gases dissolve in warm water. This increases the density of the warm water and causes it to sink.

Taylor is working on a computer model of upwelling. She draws an arrow to represent the movement of water. What should she draw to represent the cause of upwelling?

• a figure of the sun

• an arrow representing wind

• labels indicating temperature

• arrows showing surface currents

What role does heat play in the formation of convection currents?

• When water loses heat, it becomes denser and sinks.

• When water gains heat, it becomes denser and sinks.

• When water loses heat to cooler water, the cooler water becomes denser and sinks.

• When water gains heat, it dissolves more solids and gases, becomes denser, and sinks.

Which of the following can cause an increase in density that results in a deep ocean current?

• The sun heats the water's surface.

• A warm wind blows across cold water.

• An iceberg melts, adding fresh water to ocean water.

• Warm water loses energy to its surroundings and cools.