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.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

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

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

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.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

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

• Basin shape funnels currents, affecting their speed.

• Basin depth reduces salinity differences.

• Basin structure prevents interaction with surface currents.

• Basin boundaries create more evaporation.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

What is the first effect of melting glaciers on ocean salinity and density?

• Density increases

• Freshwater input increases

• Salinity increases

• Circulation slows

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS3-5

What happens to ocean salinity as a result of increased freshwater input from melting glaciers?

• Salinity increases

• Density increases

• Salinity decreases

• Circulation speeds up

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

What is the final effect of melting glaciers on ocean circulation?

• Density increases

• Freshwater input increases

• Circulation slows

• Salinity increases

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

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

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS2-4

NGSS.HS-ESS3-5

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.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6