Tracing Ocean Currents Through Floating Rubber Ducks

In 1992, a cargo ship lost 28,000 rubber ducks in the North Pacific, which helped researchers study ocean currents. Ocean currents are driven by wind, tides, water density, and Earth's rotation. They are categorized into surface and deep ocean currents, which interact to move the ocean. Surface currents are influenced by wind and tides, forming gyres due to the Coriolis Effect. Deep ocean currents are driven by water density changes, forming the Global Conveyor Belt, which affects climate. Rising sea temperatures may slow this belt, impacting weather systems.

What event in 1992 helped researchers better understand ocean currents?

• A volcanic eruption

• A major earthquake

• A cargo ship losing rubber ducks

• An oil spill

Which of the following is NOT a factor that drives ocean currents?

• Wind

• Water density

• Sunlight

• Tides

What percentage of the ocean's water is controlled by surface currents?

• 100%

• 90%

• 50%

• 10%

What is the primary force behind surface currents in the open ocean?

• Water density

• Tides

• Wind

• Earth's rotation

What are the large loops formed by surface currents called?

• Eddies

• Gyres

• Vortices

• Whirlpools

What effect causes the deflection of wind patterns, leading to the formation of gyres?

• Magnetic Effect

• Greenhouse Effect

• Coriolis Effect

• Tidal Effect

What primarily drives deep ocean currents?

• Sunlight

• Changes in seawater density

• Wind

• Tides

What is the name of the vertical current formed by sinking cold, salty water?

• Tidal circulation

• Surface circulation

• Gyre circulation

• Thermohaline circulation

What is the Global Conveyor Belt?

• A surface current

• A tidal wave

• A deep ocean current

• A type of wind pattern

What potential impact could rising sea temperatures have on the Global Conveyor Belt?

• Speed it up

• Slow it down

• Have no effect

• Reverse its direction