Ocean Currents

What causes ocean waves?

• Earthquakes under the ocean floor

• Wind moving across the surface of the water

• The rotation of the Earth

• The gravitational pull of the Moon and the Sun

What is a wave in science?

• A movement of fish swimming in unison

• A large body of water moving towards the shore

• A transfer of energy through a medium

• A high-speed wind over the ocean

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What are swells in the ocean?

• The highest point of a wave

• Rolling waves that travel long distances, generated by distant storms

• Large waves caused by underwater earthquakes

• Small, choppy waves caused by local wind

What usually causes surface currents?

• The rotation of the Earth

• Changes in water temperature and salinity

• The wind

• Marine animals swimming in groups

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How does the Coriolis effect influence ocean currents?

• Increases the speed of ocean currents

• Stops ocean currents from changing direction

• Causes currents to flow clockwise in the northern hemisphere and counter-clockwise in the southern hemisphere

• Causes currents to flow in a straight line

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How can ocean currents impact the climate?

• By creating waves that cool down the air temperature

• By causing more frequent storms

• By moving warm water to colder regions, affecting the temperature

• By increasing the salinity of the ocean near the equator

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What was the tallest wave ever measured and where?

• 95 feet near Scotland

• 1719 feet at Lituya Bay, Alaska

• 50 feet near the coast of Australia

• 100 feet near Hawaii

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Why are surface currents important to ships?

• They provide a source of food for marine life

• They can make travel easy or difficult depending on the direction

• They are a source of renewable energy

• They help in predicting the weather

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How do tsunamis differ from regular ocean waves?

• Tsunamis are caused by the gravitational pull of the moon

• Tsunamis are generated by underwater earthquakes or volcanic eruptions

• Tsunamis are smaller in height but longer in wavelength

• Tsunamis occur only in the Pacific Ocean

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