Melting Ice & Ocean Currents ESS.8.2.2

What happens to ocean salinity when icebergs melt?

• Salinity increases because ice adds salt to the water

• Salinity stays the same because ice is part of the ocean

• Salinity decreases because ice is freshwater

• Salinity increases because warm water holds more salt

How does a decrease in salinity affect ocean water density?

• Density increases because the water gets colder

• Density decreases because freshwater is less dense

• Density stays the same regardless of salinity

• Density increases because of added ice particles

Why is the melting of polar icebergs a concern for global ocean currents?

• It raises the ocean floor

• It speeds up surface currents

• It adds salt to the ocean, increasing circulation

• It makes ocean water less dense, which can slow deep ocean currents

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

What type of water drives deep ocean currents?

• Warm and low-salinity water

• Cold and salty water

• Freshwater from rivers

• Hot water from hydrothermal vents

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Which of the following best describes the effect of global warming on thermohaline circulation?

• It strengthens it by adding salt to the oceans

• It weakens it by melting icebergs and lowering water density

• It has no effect on ocean circulation patterns

• It reverses the direction of the Coriolis effect

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Which of the following best explains how icebergs melting can affect climate patterns?

• They raise sea level and stop all ocean currents

• They cool the atmosphere and make the Earth colder

• They change ocean salinity, which can alter current flow and climate

• They release carbon dioxide into the air

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

What is one reason freshwater is less dense than saltwater?

• It has fewer minerals dissolved in it

• It is colder

• It moves faster

• It contains more gases

Which ocean layer is most affected by melting polar ice?

• The deep ocean

• The thermocline

• The surface layer

• The seafloor

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

If global temperatures continue to rise, what might happen to the global conveyor belt (thermohaline circulation)?

• It may slow down or become disrupted

• It will speed up and become stronger

• It will move in the opposite direction

• It will remain unchanged

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

How can students help reduce the impact of global warming on ocean currents?

• Use more ocean water

• Reduce energy use and support climate-friendly actions

• Melt ice in their homes

• Travel more to colder places

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

NGSS.MS-ESS3-5