ESS.8.2.2 Ocean Currents and Climate Effects

What two factors primarily drive deep ocean currents?

• a) Wind and waves

• b) Tides and earthquakes

• c) Temperature and salinity

• d) Sunlight and oxygen

As ocean water becomes colder and saltier, it becomes:

• Lighter and rises

• Less dense and stays still

• Denser and sinks

• Warmer and evaporates

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Which process best describes how warm surface currents form?

• Evaporation at the equator

• Cold water upwelling

• Wind pushing warm water from the equator

• Ice melting near the poles

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The Gulf Stream brings:

• Cold water from the Arctic to Europe

• Warm water from the Gulf of Mexico to Europe

• Freshwater from rivers to the ocean

• Nutrient-poor water to the Pacific

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Thermohaline circulation is driven by:

• Ocean waves and tides

• Earth's rotation

• Temperature and salinity differences

• Rainfall and runoff

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Upwelling zones are important because they:

• Trap pollutants

• Bring nutrients to the surface

• Reduce oxygen levels

• Cause hurricanes

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NGSS.MS-LS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

Which of the following causes salinity to increase in ocean water?

• Heavy rainfall

• River inflow

Ocean currents impact global climate by:

• Changing Earth's orbit

• Transporting heat across the planet

• Causing volcanic eruptions

• Reflecting sunlight

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Cold ocean currents typically:

• Warm coastal areas

• Make coastal climates colder and drier

• Increase rainfall inland

• Reduce ocean salinity

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What effect does warm water have on marine biodiversity?

• It always decreases biodiversity

• It increases the oxygen content

• It supports different species than cold water

• It has no effect on life forms

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NGSS.MS-LS2-4