Exploring Turbidity Currents in Ocean Science

The video explains turbidity currents, which resemble underwater avalanches, moving sediments along the ocean floor. These currents are caused by sediment destabilization due to factors like earthquakes or excessive deposition. They significantly impact continental shelves, carving canyons and contributing to the formation of submarine canyons and continental rises. Such events can also trigger tsunamis.

What is a turbidity current often compared to in appearance?

• A tidal wave

• A hurricane

• An avalanche

• A tornado

What is one of the visual characteristics of a turbidity current?

• A bright light

• A clear water flow

• A wall of sediments

• A calm water surface

What initiates a turbidity current in lakes and rivers?

• A high sediment load collapsing

• A sudden increase in water temperature

• A decrease in water flow

• A change in water pH

What can cause the destabilization of sediment banks?

• Decreased water salinity

• Increased fish activity

• Heavy rainfall

• Large flow motion or earthquakes

What is a common cause of sediment destabilization on continental shelves?

• Volcanic eruptions

• Hurricanes

• Earthquakes

• Tidal waves

What natural event can help destabilize sediment banks?

• A large flow motion

• A decrease in water temperature

• A change in water pH

• An increase in fish population

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

What is one of the effects of rivers adding sediments to the continental shelf?

• Increase in water temperature

• Creation of canyons in the continental shelf

• Decrease in marine life

• Formation of underwater volcanoes

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

What happens when the continental shelf gets too heavy with sediments?

• It leads to the formation of coral reefs

• It causes a decrease in ocean salinity

• It collapses and creates a turbidity current

• It forms a new island

What is the result of a turbidity current reaching the continental rise?

• Decrease in water clarity

• Formation of new marine species

• Creation of the continental rise

• Increase in ocean temperature

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

What can the displacement of water by a turbidity current cause?

• A change in water color

• An increase in marine life

• A tsunami

• A decrease in water temperature