Ocean Currents

What is the central idea of the passage?

• The thermohaline could have been responsible for the Little Ice Age.

• The ocean effects weather and climate around the globe.

• The conveyer belt of the ocean’s currents can be disrupted by temperature changes.

• The importance of being prepared for weather and climate shifts.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS2-3

What word best conveys the meaning of the word ‘divert’ as it used in this excerpt from the passage:

     “If polar ice caps and large continental glaciers such as Greenland start to melt, they will flood the North Atlantic with a large amount of freshwater. In theory, this action would divert the Gulf Stream.” 

• Alter

• Distract

• Entertain

• Amuse

What can you conclude from the image in the passage that shows the conveyer belt of ocean currents (or the thermohaline circulation)?

• Ocean currents have set temperatures that never change.

• Ocean currents are moving throughout all the oceans.

• Ocean currents cool towards the poles and heat up near the equator.

• Ocean currents are difficult for scientists to monitor.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

True or False:

If the thermohaline circulation was drastically disrupted from its current process, people would adapt to colder conditions and embrace the new way of living in the world.

• True

• False

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS2-4

NGSS.HS-ESS3-1

NGSS.HS-ESS3-5

How does the thermohaline circulation effect Earth’s climate? Use evidence from the text to support your answer.

Answer explanation

Thermohaline circulation, regulates ocean temperatures and is driven by density. The amount of salt in the water changes the density of the ocean currents. The temperature of the water can fluctuate constantly for many reasons. These natural occurrences, in combination with the wind-driven surface currents, distribute heat around the globe. Without the warm Gulf Stream, Europe would be cold and rainy.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS2-4

NGSS.HS-ESS3-5