Deep Ocean Currents

What role do deep ocean currents play in global climate?

• They have no impact on climate.

• They help regulate global climate by distributing heat and nutrients around the planet.

• They only affect local weather patterns.

• They are responsible for ocean pollution.

What are the two main types of ocean currents?

• Surface currents and deep currents

• Tidal currents and wind-driven currents

• Estuarine currents and coastal currents

• Thermohaline currents and gyres

What are deep ocean currents?

• Large-scale movements of water that occur deep below the ocean surface, driven by differences in temperature and salinity.

• Shallow water movements caused by wind and tides.

• The flow of water at the surface of the ocean influenced by the moon's gravity.

• Small, localized currents found near the coast.

How does salinity affect water density?

• Higher salinity decreases water density, causing denser water to rise.

• Higher salinity increases water density, causing denser water to sink.

• Salinity has no effect on water density.

• Lower salinity increases water density, causing denser water to sink.

What is downwelling?

• The process where surface water sinks, often occurring in areas where water is cooled or becomes denser.

• The movement of water from the ocean surface to the deep sea due to evaporation.

• The upward movement of water from the ocean depths to the surface.

• The process of water flowing over land into rivers and lakes.

What is upwelling?

• A process where warm water sinks to the ocean floor.

• A phenomenon where deep, cold, nutrient-rich water rises to the surface, often supporting marine life.

• The movement of water in a circular pattern due to wind.

• A method of fishing that involves using nets at great depths.

What causes deep ocean currents to form?

• Differences in water density due to temperature and salinity

• Wind patterns across the ocean surface

• The gravitational pull of the moon

• Earth's rotation affecting surface currents

What is salinity?

• Salinity is the measure of the salt content in water.

• Salinity refers to the temperature of water.

• Salinity is the measure of the water's acidity.

• Salinity indicates the amount of dissolved oxygen in water.

Is it true that deeper ocean water is less salty?

• True, deeper ocean water is less salty.

• False, deeper ocean water can be more saline due to the sinking of denser, saltier water.

• True, deeper ocean water has the same salinity as surface water.

• False, deeper ocean water is always saltier than surface water.

Why are ocean currents important for marine ecosystems?

• They help in the formation of coral reefs.

• They transport nutrients, oxygen, and heat, which are essential for the survival of marine organisms.

• They create waves that are beneficial for surfing.

• They prevent the growth of algae in the ocean.