Ocean Currents, Weather and Climate

What role does heat energy play in the formation of convection currents?

• When water gains energy, it becomes denser and sinks.

• When water loses energy, it evaporates.

• When water gains energy, it condenses.

• When water loses energy, it becomes denser and sinks.

Answer explanation

Heat energy causes water to gain energy, leading to a decrease in density, which allows it to rise. This process is essential in forming convection currents, as warmer water rises and cooler water sinks.

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The average winter temperature in Dallas, Texas, is 19°C. Why would the temperature measure 5°C for Dallas, Texas, on this day in January?

• The polar jet stream dipped to a longitude east of Dallas, bringing cold air from the equator.

• The polar jet stream dipped to a latitude south of Dallas, bringing cold air from the Arctic region.

• The polar jet stream got faster and increased elevation, bringing warm air up into the atmosphere, lowering the ground temperature.

• The polar jet stream got slower and decreased elevation, bringing cold air down from the upper atmosphere, lowering the ground temperature.

Answer explanation

The polar jet stream dipping south brings cold Arctic air to Dallas, causing the temperature to drop to 5°C, significantly lower than the average winter temperature of 19°C.

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An air mass takes on temperature and moisture characteristics of the land or water beneath it. What kind of air mass forms over tropical waters that have been heated by the sun?

• Cool and humid

• Hot and very dry

• Warm and humid

• Cold and dry

Answer explanation

An air mass over tropical waters absorbs heat and moisture from the warm water, resulting in a warm and humid air mass. This is why the correct answer is 'Warm and humid'.

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The monthly average temperature pattern of Jacksonville, Florida, is shown below. This city is located near the northeast coast of Florida. Residents there experience a mild climate compared to those in U.S. cities further north. Which statement best describes the influence of an ocean current(s) on this climate?

• The Gulf Stream carries cold water from the north southward near the Atlantic coast.

• The Gulf Stream carries warm water from the tropics northward near the Atlantic Coast.

• The jet stream consistently pushes warm air into the Jacksonville area.

• Warm ocean currents from the Gulf of Mexico travel eastward to Jacksonville.

Answer explanation

The Gulf Stream carries warm water from the tropics northward along the Atlantic Coast, moderating Jacksonville's climate and contributing to its mild temperatures compared to northern U.S. cities.

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Imagine two towns at the same latitude (distance from the Equator), but on opposite coasts of North America. In which town would you expect to find a warmer climate?

• the town on the west coast

• the town on the east coast

• the town that is at higher elevation

• Neither, the climates would be the same.

Answer explanation

The east coast town is influenced by the warm Gulf Stream, leading to milder winters and warmer overall temperatures compared to the west coast, which is affected by cooler ocean currents.

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About how long does one complete cycle of the deep ocean circulation take?

• 1 to 5 years

• 500 to 2,000 years

• 1 million to 2 million years

• 50 to 100 years

Answer explanation

The deep ocean circulation, also known as thermohaline circulation, takes about 500 to 2,000 years to complete one full cycle, making this the correct choice among the options provided.

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The deflection of planetary winds (the Coriolis effect) is a direct result of the:

• revolution of Earth.

• gravitational forces within Earth.

• convection currents within the asthenosphere.

• rotation of Earth.

Answer explanation

The Coriolis effect is caused by the rotation of Earth, which leads to the deflection of winds. As Earth spins, moving air is deflected to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere.

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Florida is the most humid state in the nation. Which statements below best explains why this is true?

• Cool ocean breezes hold a lot of water as humidity as they move inland.

• Florida's coasts are either the warm Atlantic Ocean or Gulf of Mexico. Warm air above warm water holds a lot of moisture that moves inland.

• Florida's coasts are either the warm Atlantic or Pacific Oceans. Warm air above warm water holds a lot of moisture that moves inland.

• It rains in Florida every day of the year so the air is always saturated with water.

Answer explanation

Florida's high humidity is due to its warm coasts along the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. The warm air above these waters holds significant moisture, which then moves inland, contributing to the state's overall humidity.

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Which of the following best describes the movement of heat energy in the global ocean?

• Heat energy is transported to the equator from the continents.

• Heat energy in deep currents is transported to the ocean’s surface.

• Heat energy in warm surface currents is transported to areas near Earth’s poles.

• Heat energy is transported from areas of lower temperature to areas of higher temperature.

Answer explanation

Heat energy in warm surface currents moves towards the poles, helping to regulate climate. This process contrasts with the incorrect options, which misrepresent heat transfer dynamics in the ocean.

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The global conveyor belt is a constantly moving system of deep-ocean circulation driven by what factors?

• El Niño and La Niña

• temperature and salinity

• wind and the Coriolis effect

• gravity and continental deflection

Answer explanation

The global conveyor belt is driven by temperature and salinity, which affect water density and circulation patterns. These factors create a continuous flow of ocean currents, essential for global climate regulation.

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