Understanding Ocean Currents Quiz

What year did the cargo ship carrying bath toys get caught in a storm?

• 1985

• 1992

• 2000

• 1995

Answer explanation

The cargo ship carrying bath toys, known as the "Friendly Floatees," was caught in a storm in 1992, leading to thousands of toys being released into the ocean.

How many rubber ducks were swept into the North Pacific?

• 15,000

• 10,000

• 50,000

• 28,000

Answer explanation

The correct answer is 28,000 rubber ducks, which were released into the ocean in 1992 and later swept into the North Pacific, becoming part of a notable oceanographic study.

What are the two main categories of ocean currents?

• Surface and deep ocean currents

• Coastal and global currents

• Wind and deep currents

• Tidal and surface currents

Answer explanation

The two main categories of ocean currents are surface and deep ocean currents. Surface currents are driven by wind and affect the upper layer of the ocean, while deep currents are influenced by temperature and salinity differences.

What primarily drives surface currents in the open ocean?

• Wind

• Salinity

• Temperature

• Tides

Answer explanation

Surface currents in the open ocean are primarily driven by wind. The friction between the wind and the water surface creates movement, leading to the formation of currents, while salinity, temperature, and tides play lesser roles.

What effect does the Earth's rotation have on ocean currents?

• It causes currents to form loops

• It causes currents to speed up

• It makes currents disappear

• It has no effect

Answer explanation

The Earth's rotation causes the Coriolis effect, which influences the direction of ocean currents, leading them to form loops rather than moving in straight lines. This is why the correct answer is that it causes currents to form loops.

What is the Coriolis Effect?

• The warming of surface water

• The effect of tides on currents

• The deflection of wind and water due to Earth's rotation

• The sinking of cold water

Answer explanation

The Coriolis Effect refers to the deflection of wind and water caused by the rotation of the Earth. This phenomenon influences weather patterns and ocean currents, making it the correct choice among the options provided.

What is thermohaline circulation driven by?

• Tidal forces

• Surface temperature

• Changes in water density

• Wind patterns

Answer explanation

Thermohaline circulation is primarily driven by changes in water density, which are influenced by temperature and salinity variations. This process is crucial for global ocean circulation and climate regulation.

What is the Global Conveyor Belt?

• A tidal current

• A winding loop of deep and surface currents

• A type of surface current

• A storm current

Answer explanation

The Global Conveyor Belt refers to a winding loop of deep and surface currents that circulate ocean water globally, influencing climate and marine life. It is not just a tidal or surface current, making the second choice correct.

How fast does the Global Conveyor Belt move?

• A few kilometers per hour

• A few meters per second

• A few centimeters per second

• It doesn't move

Answer explanation

The Global Conveyor Belt moves at a speed of a few centimeters per second, which is much slower than a few kilometers per hour or meters per second. This slow movement is crucial for the regulation of Earth's climate.

What happens to the Global Conveyor Belt due to rising sea temperatures?

• It becomes more powerful

• It slows down

• It stops completely

• It speeds up

Answer explanation

Rising sea temperatures disrupt the density-driven processes that power the Global Conveyor Belt, leading to a slowdown in its circulation. Thus, the correct answer is that it slows down.