ocean current review

Which three factors most directly affect surface currents in the oceans?

• upwelling, convection, and the sun’s energy

• deep currents, convection currents, and surface winds

• dissolved solids, dissolved gases, and the sun’s energy

• surface winds, the Coriolis Effect, and continental deflection

How does convection cause ocean currents?

• During the process of convection, energy is transferred to the atmosphere, forming winds. These winds power surface currents.

• During the process of convection, the heating of surface water by the sun results in upwelling.

• During the process of convection, energy in warm water is lost to its surroundings. The water cools, becomes denser, and sinks.

• During the process of convection, more minerals and gases dissolve in warm water. This increases the density of the warm water and causes it to sink.

Stream like movements of water

• Ocean Currents

• Continental Deflections

• Coriolis Effect

• Upwelling

Currents change direction by hitting the continents or other large landmass.

• Ocean Currents

• Continental Deflections

• Coriolis Effect

• Upwelling

Because the Earth rotates on its axis, circulating air is deflected toward the right in the Northern Hemisphere and toward the left in the Southern Hemisphere.

• Ocean Currents

• Continental Deflections

• Coriolis Effect

• Upwelling

Movements of ocean water located far below the surface.

• Ocean Currents

• Convection Currents

• Deep Currents

• Surface Currents

Currents are on the surface or less than a 100 meters deep (330 feet)

• Ocean Currents

• Convection Currents

• Deep Currents

• Surface Currents

The Gulf Stream carries _____________ water from the east coast of The United States to the West coast of Europe.

• Cold

• Warm

• Freezing

• Fresh

Warm water from surface currents replaces colder denser water that sinks to the ocean floor.

• Ocean Currents

• Convection Currents

• Deep Currents

• Surface Currents

Surface Currents are driven mainly by

• Coriolis Effect

• Wind

• Upwelling

• Moon