Surface Currents

Which of these does not affect ocean surface currents?

• the Coriolis effect

• continental deflection

• global wind patterns

• Earth's magnetic field

Surface winds cause surface currents by

• causing the Coriolis effect

• transferring energy to ocean water

• absorbing energy from ocean water

• producing a greater gravitational pull

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Surface currents north or the equator flow clockwise, but surface currents south of the equator flow counterclockwise due to the Coriolis effect.

• True

• False

• They both flow the same direction, which is clockwise.

• The both flow the same direction, which is counterclockwise.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

In the Pacific Ocean, the Peru Current is deflected to the ___________.

• North

• South

• East

• West

A huge circular pattern of rotating ocean currents.

• whirlpool

• cyclone

• hurricane

• gyre

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

The pattern of current flow in the northern hemisphere generally moves in a ___________ direction.

• clockwise

• counterclockwise

• unpredictable

• ornate

The horizontal movement of water in a regular pattern a the ocean's surface.

• tide

• surface current

• monsoon

• whirly twirly

In most areas around the world, the winds and ocean currents move

• in similar directions.

• against one another.

• in a clockwise rotation.

• away from one another.

For the wind to produce surface currents in the ocean, what must first happen?

• The air pressure must be different in one place compared to another.

• It must be warm.

• It must be cold.

• Wind does not create surface currents.

The ocean water along the west coast flows toward the south. Water along the east coast flows toward the north. Which statement best explains why?

• The Earth's magnetic field causes the difference in direction.

• The vastness of the continent creates the different flow pattern.

• The two main gyres are moving clockwise when the water is deflected by the continent.

• The two main gyres are moving counter clockwise when they water is deflected by the continent.