Front

What are ocean currents?

Back

Ocean currents are large-scale movements of water within the world's oceans, driven by factors such as wind, temperature, salinity, and the Earth's rotation.

Front

What is the Coriolis Effect?

Back

The Coriolis Effect is the deflection of moving objects, such as air and water, caused by the rotation of the Earth, resulting in currents turning clockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and counterclockwise in the Southern Hemisphere.

Front

What is a gyre?

Back

A gyre is a large system of rotating ocean currents, typically driven by wind and the Coriolis Effect, found in the major oceans.

Front

What factors affect the density of ocean water?

Back

The density of ocean water is affected by temperature and salinity; warmer water is less dense, while saltier water is denser.

Front

How do ocean currents affect climate?

Back

Ocean currents help regulate climate by distributing heat around the planet, influencing weather patterns and temperatures in coastal regions.

Front

What is upwelling?

Back

Upwelling is the process where deep, cold, nutrient-rich water rises to the surface, often supporting rich marine ecosystems.

Front

What role do wind patterns play in ocean currents?

Back

Wind patterns drive surface ocean currents, transferring energy from the atmosphere to the ocean and influencing the direction and speed of currents.

Front

What is thermohaline circulation?

Back

Thermohaline circulation is a global ocean circulation driven by differences in water density, controlled by temperature (thermo) and salinity (haline).

Front

What is the Gulf Stream?

Back

The Gulf Stream is a warm ocean current that originates in the Gulf of Mexico and flows along the eastern coast of the United States, significantly impacting the climate of the region.

Front

What is the difference between surface currents and deep ocean currents?

Back

Surface currents are driven primarily by wind and occur in the upper layer of the ocean, while deep ocean currents are driven by density differences and occur below the surface.