Oceanography part 2

Which two factors primarily drive thermohaline circulation?

• Wind and tides

• Salinity and temperature

• Ocean basin shape and Coriolis effect

• Atmospheric pressure and density

How does the periodicity of thermohaline circulation affect Earth's climate?

• It causes rapid seasonal temperature changes.

• It moderates long-term climate cycles over centuries.

• It creates sudden increases in polar ice caps.

• It leads to faster ocean currents globally.

Select THREE factors that influence the structure of the oceans and contribute to thermohaline periodicity.

• Depth of ocean basins

• Salinity variations

• Presence of wind currents

• Polar ice cap melting

• Shape of underwater ridges

The composition and structure of the oceans lead to thermohaline circulation and its periodicity. Which factors play a role in this process?

• Salinity, temperature, and ocean basin structure

• Only temperature and salinity

• Only ocean basin structure

• None of the above

What happens to thermohaline circulation when polar ice caps melt?

• It slows down due to decreased salinity.

• It speeds up due to increased salinity.

• It reverses direction.

• It remains unchanged.

Click on the two areas of the map showing where melting ice caps most directly impact thermohaline circulation.

• Arctic Ocean and North Atlantic Ocean

• Indian Ocean and South Pacific Ocean

• Mediterranean Sea and Red Sea

• Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico

How does ocean basin structure influence energy flow in thermohaline circulation?

• A. Basin shape funnels currents, affecting their speed.

• B. Basin depth reduces salinity differences.

• C. Basin structure prevents interaction with surface currents.

• D. Basin boundaries create more evaporation.

What long-term effect might a slowing thermohaline circulation have on global climates?

• More frequent hurricanes

• Regional cooling in Europe

• Faster ocean current speeds

• Increased polar ice formation

Select two ways deep ocean circulation is affected by changes in energy flow and ocean composition.

• Warmer water temperatures increase water density.

• Melting glaciers reduce salinity, slowing circulation.

• Increased evaporation directly speeds up deep ocean circulation.

• Reduced salinity weakens density-driven currents.

• Wind patterns directly influence deep ocean currents.

What is the role of the Coriolis effect in global surface ocean circulation?

• It prevents currents from forming.

• It deflects water movement to the right in the Northern Hemisphere.

• It causes water to sink in polar regions.

• It creates density differences in the oceans.