Ocean Currents

Which of the following can cause an increase in density that results in a deep ocean current?

• The sun heats the water’s surface.

• A warm wind blows across cold water.

• An iceberg melts, adding fresh water to ocean water.

• Warm water loses energy to its surroundings and cools.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Which of the following movements of ocean water has the greatest direct effect on the growth of producers?

• upwelling

• deep current

• surface current

• convection current

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

Which three factors most directly affect surface currents in the oceans?

• upwelling, convection, and the sun’s energy

• deep currents, convection currents, and surface winds

• dissolved solids, dissolved gases, and the sun’s energy

• surface winds, the Coriolis Effect, and continental deflection

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

How does convection cause ocean currents?

• During the process of convection, energy is transferred to the atmosphere, forming winds. These winds power surface currents.

• During the process of convection, the heating of surface water by the sun results in upwelling.

• During the process of convection, energy in warm water is lost to its surroundings. The water cools, becomes denser, and sinks.

• During the process of convection, more minerals and gases dissolve in warm water. This increases the density of the warm water and causes it to sink.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Stream like movements of water

• Ocean Currents

• Continental Deflections

• Coriolis Effect

• Upwelling

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Because the Earth rotates on its axis, circulating air is deflected toward the right in the Northern Hemisphere and toward the left in the Southern Hemisphere.

• Ocean Currents

• Continental Deflections

• Coriolis Effect

• Upwelling

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Movements of ocean water located far below the surface.

• Ocean Currents

• Convection Currents

• Deep Currents

• Surface Currents

The Gulf Stream carries _____________ water from the east coast of The United States to the West coast of Europe.

• Cold

• Warm

• Freezing

• Fresh

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Warm water from surface currents replaces colder denser water that sinks to the ocean floor.

• Ocean Currents

• Convection Currents

• Deep Currents

• Surface Currents

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Winds on the surface cause the warm surface water to be replaced with the colder more nutrient rich water. 

• Ocean Currents

• Continental Deflections

• Coriolis Effect

• Upwelling

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6