Ocean Currents

What type of energy drives ocean and atmosphere circulation

What is the Thermohaline circulation?

• Thermohaline circulation is the global movement of ocean water driven by temperature and salinity differences.
• Thermohaline circulation is the process of freshwater evaporation.
• Thermohaline circulation is the seasonal flow of river water.
• Thermohaline circulation refers to wind-driven surface currents.

Explain what drives the movement of deeper ocean currents?

What is upwelling?

• Upwelling is the movement of warm water to the ocean depths.
• Upwelling is the sinking of cold water to the ocean floor.
• Upwelling is the rising of nutrient-rich water from the ocean depths to the surface.
• Upwelling is the mixing of surface water with freshwater streams.

El Niño is due to a weakening or reversal of the normal east–west (Walker) circulation, which _________ surface stratification and decreases upwelling of cold, nutrient-rich water near the coast of north-western South America.

How do El Nino and La Nina events affect global weather?

• They create hurricanes in the Atlantic Ocean.

• They increase the salinity of ocean water.

• They cause permanent changes in ocean currents.

• They displace warm and cool water in the Pacific, altering weather patterns.

What is the Gulf Stream's role in Europe's climate?

• It increases rainfall in coastal regions.

• It creates tropical storms in Europe.

• It carries heat and moisture northward, moderating temperatures.

• It brings colder temperatures to Europe.

Why are tropical ocean basins favorable for storm intensification?

• They have strong winds.

• They retain substantial heat, fueling rapid storm growth.

• They are located near the equator.

• They have high salinity levels.

Why is the ocean essential for life on Earth?

• It prevents earthquakes.

• It creates all weather patterns.

• It stores Earth's water and regulates climate.

• It provides all the oxygen we breathe.

Linking your knowledge from the video and the wider topic, suggest why stratification occurs in deeper lakes, coastal areas, enclosed seas and open ocean.