Ocean Currents and Wind Interactions

In this lesson, students explore the Gulf Stream and its effects using a digital simulation. They learn to identify warm currents, observe wind and current directions, and analyze how wind speed and direction affect ocean currents. Key discoveries include the relationship between prevailing winds and currents, the impact of continents on current paths, and the inability of currents to pass through landmasses. The lesson concludes with a hands-on activity to model these concepts in real life.

What is the primary focus of the lesson using the digital model?

• Learning about ocean temperatures

• Studying climate change

• Exploring winds and currents

• Investigating the Gulf Stream

What tool is suggested for exploring warm currents in the lesson?

• The oceans atmosphere and climate sim

• A digital map

• A textbook

• A physical globe

How can you identify a warm current in the simulation?

• By its color

• By its speed

• By its direction

• By its origin from the equator

What happens to ocean currents when wind speed is increased in the simulation?

• They change direction

• They stop

• They slow down

• They move more quickly

What effect does reversing the wind direction have on ocean currents in the simulation?

• Currents stop

• Currents reverse direction

• No effect

• Currents speed up

What is one of the key discoveries about the relationship between winds and currents?

• Currents follow the direction of prevailing winds

• Currents are independent of winds

• Winds have no effect on currents

• Currents move faster than winds

How do continents affect ocean currents according to the simulation?

• They speed up the currents

• They stop the currents

• They have no effect

• They force currents to change direction

What happens to the energy of a current as it moves away from the equator?

• It remains constant

• It fluctuates

• It decreases

• It increases

What is the next step after exploring the simulation in the lesson?

• A video presentation

• A group discussion

• A hands-on activity

• A written test

What is the significance of the white lines in the wind map mode of the simulation?

• They represent ocean depths

• They show prevailing winds

• They mark the equator

• They indicate temperature changes