Ocean Currents

What is an ocean current?

• Movements of water that circulate in the ocean

• The movement of waves on the shore

• The back and forth motion of ocean water between the continents

• Water that stays in one area of the ocean

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Where on Earth would cold currents originate?

• Near the equator

• Near the poles

• Near the coast

• Near the center of the largest oceans

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Why is water warmer near the equator?

• Because the equator receives less direct sunlight

• Because of the deserts located there

• Because the equator receives more direct sunlight

• Because the equator has warmer wind currents

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Which of the following is the result of the Sun unevenly heating air in the atmosphere and water in the ocean?

• Hurricanes and earthquakes

• Wind and ocean currents

• Weathering and Erosion

• Cold fronts and warm fronts

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

Which of the following is NOT a characteristics of ocean currents?

• Ocean currents help to regulate climate

• Ocean currents distribute water that has been unevenly heated by the sun

• Regions near cold ocean currents tend to have cooler climates

• Ocean currents cause the tides to change

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

You are on vacation in a region that is located near a warm ocean current. What type of climate would you expect this region to experience?

• Cold and dry

• Cold and stormy

• Warm and dry

• Warm and humid

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Ocean currents that circulate near the equator carry ____ water to other regions.

• Warm

• Cool

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Coastal regions near warm currents tend to have cooler climates.

• True

• False

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

The sun provides the energy necessary to drive convection within Earth's oceans.

• True

• False

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Refer to your notes to identify the current as warm or cold.

The Gulf Stream originates in the Gulf of Mexico along the east coast of the United States.

• Warm Current

• Cold Current

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6