Atmospheric and Oceanic Circulation

What happens to air over land at night?

• It warms and rises

• It cools and sinks

• It remains still

• It moves towards the ocean

Answer explanation

At night, land cools faster than water, causing the air above it to cool and become denser. This cooler air sinks, leading to the correct answer: it cools and sinks.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

What is upwelling?

• The vertical movement of water toward the ocean's surface

• The horizontal movement of water across the ocean's surface

• The circular movement of water in deep ocean trenches

• The diagonal movement of water along coastlines

Answer explanation

Upwelling is the vertical movement of water toward the ocean's surface, bringing nutrient-rich water from the depths, which supports marine life. This distinguishes it from horizontal or circular water movements.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

What supports large populations of algae, fish, and other ocean organisms?

• Upwelling

• Surface currents

• Density currents

• Tidal waves

Answer explanation

Upwelling brings nutrient-rich waters from the ocean depths to the surface, supporting large populations of algae, fish, and other organisms. This process is crucial for marine ecosystems, making it the correct answer.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

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Where does upwelling often occur?

• Along coastlines

• In the middle of the ocean

• Near the equator

• At the ocean floor

Answer explanation

Upwelling often occurs along coastlines where winds push surface waters away, allowing deeper, nutrient-rich waters to rise. This process supports marine life and is less common in the middle of the ocean or at the ocean floor.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

What happens to water as it moves toward the poles in surface currents?

• It cools and sinks

• It warms and rises

• It evaporates

• It becomes less dense

Answer explanation

As water moves toward the poles in surface currents, it cools due to lower temperatures. This cooling increases its density, causing it to sink. Therefore, the correct answer is that it cools and sinks.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

What influences the formation and direction of ocean currents?

• Earth's magnetic field

• Major wind systems

• Ocean salinity

• Tidal forces

Answer explanation

Major wind systems are the primary drivers of ocean currents, as they create friction on the water's surface, influencing the direction and speed of the currents. Other factors like salinity and tides play a lesser role.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

What are large circular systems of ocean currents called?

• Vortices

• Gyres

• Whirlpools

• Eddies

Answer explanation

Large circular systems of ocean currents are called gyres. They are formed by the Earth's rotation and wind patterns, distinguishing them from smaller phenomena like vortices, whirlpools, and eddies.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

How do gyres in the Northern Hemisphere circulate?

• Counterclockwise

• Randomly

• Clockwise

• Vertically

Answer explanation

Gyres in the Northern Hemisphere circulate in a clockwise direction due to the Coriolis effect, which causes moving fluids to turn right in the Northern Hemisphere. This is why the correct answer is 'Clockwise'.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

What is the term for causing something to turn in a different direction?

• Reflect

• Deflect

• Refract

• Redirect

Answer explanation

The term 'deflect' specifically means to cause something to turn aside or change direction. While 'redirect' also implies changing direction, 'deflect' is more precise in the context of causing a turn.

What happens to the water after it reaches the surface in the Great Ocean Conveyor Belt?

• It freezes

• It evaporates

• It is warmed by the Sun

• It becomes salty

Answer explanation

After reaching the surface, the water in the Great Ocean Conveyor Belt is warmed by the Sun, which increases its temperature and influences weather patterns. This process is crucial for maintaining oceanic and atmospheric circulation.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4