Surface Currents

Which of these does not affect ocean surface currents?

• the Coriolis effect

• continental deflection

• global wind patterns

• Earth's magnetic field

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

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

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

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

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

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

• tide

• surface current

• monsoon

• whirly twirly

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

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.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

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.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

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.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6