Circulation in Earth's Oceans

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

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

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

• When water loses heat to cooler water, the cooler water becomes denser and sinks

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NGSS.MS-PS1-4

NGSS.MS-PS3-4

Which action can cause an increase in density that results in a deep ocean current?

• The sun heats the water’s surface.

• An iceberg melts, adding fresh water to ocean water.

• Warm water loses energy to its surroundings and cools.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Suppose a massive amount of salt was suddenly dumped into one region of the ocean. The movement of water would be affected by the sudden increase in salt. Identify the changes in salinity and density.

Suppose a massive amount of salt was suddenly dumped into one region of the ocean. The movement of water would be affected by the sudden increase in salt. What type of ocean current would result.

• surface current

• deep current

• convection current

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Most of the energy that powers ocean waves and ocean currents ultimately comes from the sun. Describe how ocean waves and ocean currents transfer solar energy around the globe.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Water in the Northern Hemisphere circulates in a ________________ direction.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Water in the Southern Hemisphere circulates in a ________________ direction.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Which of these factors deflects surface currents?

• wind

• continents

• Coriolis Effect

• gyres

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Which of these transfers energy to surface currents?

• wind

• continents

• Coriolis Effect

• gyres

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Which of these is NOT a factor that affects deep currents?

• temperature

• salinity

• gravity

• continents