Ocean Currents Quiz

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.

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NGSS.MS-PS1-4

El Niño conditions occur when the surface waters of the Pacific Ocean are warmer than normal near the equator. El Niño conditions usually start near the end of December and last for many months. The graph shows ocean temperatures in a normal year.

• The graph would look the opposite, with the ocean temperatures in the winter months being warmer than in the summer months.

• Beginning in May, the ocean temperatures would be lower for several months.

• Beginning in December, the ocean temperatures would be higher for several months

• The ocean temperatures would be higher in summer months but the same in winter months.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Which action can cause an increase in density that results in a deep ocean current?

• A warm wind blows across cold water.

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

• The sun heats the water’s surface.

• Warm water loses energy to its surroundings and cools.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Which sequence shows the chain of energy transfers that create surface ocean currents on the ocean?

• wind energy → solar energy → surface currents

• solar energy → wind energy → surface currents

• geothermal energy → wind energy → surface currents

• tidal energy → wind energy → surface currents

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Different factors influence the movement and direction of ocean currents. What factor causes surface currents north and south of the equator to move in different directions?

• the sun’s energy

• the density of water

• continental deflection

• the Coriolis effect

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Malachi’s teacher gives him a map of the world. On his map, Malachi draws lines with arrows to show some of the major surface currents in the oceans. His map looks similar to the map shown.

What conclusion about Earth’s surface currents could someone draw by looking at Malachi's map?

• 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.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Suppose a massive amount of salt was suddenly dumped into one region of the ocean. The movement of water would be affected by the sudden increase in salt.

Identify the changes in salinity and density.

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NGSS.HS-ESS2-5

Suppose a massive amount of salt was suddenly dumped into one region of the ocean. The movement of water would be affected by the sudden increase in salt.

Identify the changes in salinity and density.

Describe the type of ocean current that would result.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

A burner is placed below the right side of a beaker. Which image shows the motion of the liquid that will result?

• A

• B

• C

• D

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NGSS.MS-PS1-4

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NGSS.MS-PS3-4

What are two reasons that ocean water sinks in the Arctic Ocean?

• The surface water is colder and more salty than normal.

• The surface water is warmer and less salty than normal.

• The surface water is warmer and more salty than normal.

• The surface water is colder and less salty than normal. D.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-6