South America Currents

What is the best definition of an ocean current?

• A seasonal wind that changes direction over land

• A rise and fall of sea level caused by gravity

• A continuous movement of seawater driven by forces

• A sudden storm that forms over warm seawater

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Which current most strongly influences the west coast of South America?

• West Wind Drift moving east into the Pacific

• Peru Current flowing north along the coast

• Brazil Current flowing south from the equator

• Gulf Stream flowing across the Atlantic

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Why is the west coast of South America usually cool and dry?

• High mountains block all ocean moisture entirely

• Frequent storms remove heat and bring clear skies

• Cold Peru Current chills air and limits evaporation

• Warm currents cause constant offshore breezes

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

How does the Peru Current affect the coastal climate of Chile, Peru, and Ecuador?

• It warms air and increases tropical rainfall

• It raises sea level and floods river valleys

• It creates hurricanes along the entire coast

• It cools air and promotes stable, dry conditions

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Which statement best explains the Atacama Desert’s location beside a large ocean?

• Tidal ranges remove water vapor from the air

• Warm trade winds dump all rain far offshore

• River evaporation from the Andes dries the coast

• Cold upwelling reduces moisture and limits rainfall

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

On the east coast of South America, what do warm Atlantic currents generally cause?

• Year‑round drought along most beaches

• Humid air and greater rainfall in many regions

• Persistent fog and very cold sea breezes

• Frequent blizzards moving up the coastline

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Which regions most benefit from warm Atlantic currents along the east coast?

• Western Bolivia and inland Peru experience warmth

• Coastal Brazil and northeastern Argentina experience warmth

• Coastal Ecuador and northern Peru experience warmth

• Southern Chile and Patagonia experience warmth

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

What ocean borders the west coast of South America?

• Indian Ocean along Chile, Peru, and Ecuador

• Atlantic Ocean along Chile, Peru, and Ecuador

• Southern Ocean along Chile, Peru, and Ecuador

• Pacific Ocean along Chile, Peru, and Ecuador

What ocean borders the east coast of South America?

• Indian Ocean along Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina

• Arctic Ocean along Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina

• Pacific Ocean along Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina

• Atlantic Ocean along Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina

Which process linked to the Peru Current supports rich fisheries?

• Upwelling of cold, nutrient‑rich deep water

• Downwelling of warm, nutrient‑poor surface water

• Tides concentrating plankton along beaches

• Melting of sea ice releasing trapped nutrients