Ocean Dynamics - Connection

Select the area where the Sun's rays are MOST direct.

Tags

HS-ESS2-A-1

The sun's rays are least direct (a)   and are most direct ​ (b)   .

• near the poles

• at high altitude

• far from the ocean

• near the equator

• at sea level

Answer explanation

The sun's rays are least direct near the poles due to the angle of incidence, spreading the energy over a larger area. Conversely, they are most direct near the equator, where the rays strike more directly.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Where does the ocean get most of it's heat from?

• Underwater volcanoes

• Radiation in the inner core

• Light from the Sun

• Friction caused by tectonic plates hitting each other

Answer explanation

The ocean gets most of its heat from light emitted by the Sun, which warms the surface waters. While underwater volcanoes and tectonic activity contribute some heat, solar radiation is the primary source.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Due to the Coriolis Effect, water moves

(a)   in the Northern Hemisphere and ​ ​ (b)   in the Southern Hemisphere.

• clockwise

• counter-clockwise

• both directions

• away from each other

Answer explanation

Due to the Coriolis Effect, water moves clockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and counter-clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere, influencing the direction of ocean currents and weather patterns.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

What do ocean currents move around the world?

• Gases

• Nutrients

• Heat Energy

• All of these

• Rubber Ducks

Answer explanation

Ocean currents play a crucial role in moving gases, nutrients, and heat energy across the globe. Therefore, the correct answer is 'All of these' as they collectively represent what ocean currents transport.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

California experiences ​ (a)   than usual air temperatures. First, the ocean current brings in ​ (b)   than water to this location. The energy transfers from ​ (c)   which ​ (d)   the air temperature.

• colder

• colder than average

• air to water

• decreases

• hotter

• warmer than average

• water to air

• increases

Answer explanation

California experiences colder than average air temperatures because the ocean current brings in colder water, which decreases the air temperature.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

What is the primary cause of ocean surface currents?

• Wind patterns and the Coriolis effect.

• Temperature differences between ocean layers.

• Salinity variations in the ocean.

• Gravitational pull from the moon.

Answer explanation

The primary cause of ocean surface currents is wind patterns, which push water along the surface. The Coriolis effect then alters the direction of these currents, causing them to curve rather than flow in a straight line.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Deep Ocean currents are a result of

• Global Wind Patterns

• Earth's Rotation

• Density

• All of the above

Answer explanation

Deep ocean currents are primarily driven by density differences in water, which are influenced by temperature and salinity. While global wind patterns and Earth's rotation affect surface currents, density is the key factor for deep ocean currents.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Which of these things would NOT affect an ocean current?

• Global Wind

• Salinity

• Outer Core

• Temperature

Answer explanation

The Outer Core, being part of the Earth's interior, does not directly influence ocean currents. In contrast, Global Wind, Salinity, and Temperature are key factors that drive and affect ocean currents.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Which type of water would most likely create a surface current?

• Cold, low salinity

• Hot, high salinity

• Hot, low salinity

• Cold, high salinity

Answer explanation

Hot, freshwater is less dense and tends to rise, creating surface currents. In contrast, cold or salty water is denser and less likely to generate significant surface movement.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6