Waves and Currents

The Gulf Stream current shown here makes the waters of the North Atlantic

• warmer.

• cooler.

• more dense.

• less nutrient rich.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Surface currents and waves are powered by

• wind and heat.

• wind and tides.

• boats and wind.

• heat and weather.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

The height of a wave is MOST affected by the

• speed of the wind

• speed of the ocean

• salinity of the ocean

• amount of solar energy

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-1

Some ocean currents are caused by differences in the density of water from place to place around the globe. What two factors cause differences in ocean water density?

• differences in water temperature and wind

• differences in water temperature and phases of the moon

• differences in the amount of dissolved salts and gravity

• differences in water temperature and amount of dissolved salts

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Earth's rotation causes surface currents in the Northern Hemisphere to

• curve clockwise.

• move in straight lines.

• curve counterclockwise

• move in diagonal lines.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

___________ is the cause of most ocean surface currents.

• Gravity

• The moon

• The wind

• Earth's orbit

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Largest waves, called ____________, are different from surface waves and are usually caused by underwater earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, or landslides.

• swells

• tsunamis

• breakers

• capillary waves

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

The distance from point A to point B is known as the

• wave height.

• wavelength.

• amplitude.

• volume.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS4-1

Which statement BEST describes why warm ocean currents are usually surface currents?

• Warm water is less dense than cold water.

• Ocean tides bring warm water to the surface.

• Warm water contains more salt than cold water.

• Ocean water loses heat to the air at the surface.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Ocean currents are caused by water's density differences. The density differences in the ocean water are due to different salt concentrations and differences in

• waves.

• temperature.

• plate tectonics.

• volcanic activity.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6