Weather & Water: Ocean Currents & Water Cycle

What are the three main forces that affect ocean currents? (pick three)

• winds

• water density

• aquatic life

• tides

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Where do winds have the most influence on ocean currents?

• In the upper 1% of the ocean

• In the lower 10% of the ocean

• In the upper 20% of the ocean

• In the lower 25% of the ocean

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Variations in the amount of salt in the ocean is called...

• radiation

• tides

• conduction

• salinity

Density differences in ocean water due to salinity and temperature cause

• radiation

• evaporation

• condensation

• convection currents

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

The higher the salinity (concentration of salt)...

• the more dense the water will be

• the less dense the water will be

Ocean water is most dense...

• near the equator

• near the atmosphere

• near the poles

Tidal currents are caused by

• radiation

• forces from moon and sun

• melting and freezing of glaciers

• runoff from rivers

When surface currents run close to the shore, a visitor to the beach could experience

• strong tides

• gyres

• a rip current

A gyre is

• a large system of ocean currents

• a very small tide

• a dangerous place to swim

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

A well known boundary current in the North Atlantic ocean is the...

• Great Garbage Patch

• Gulf Stream

• Humboldt Current

• Canary Current

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6