WorksheetsOcean Currents
Total questions: 21
Worksheet time: 11mins
A narrow, powerful surface current which flows away from the shore
Ocean Current
Surface Current
Rip Current
Density Current
A large volume of water flowing in a certain direction
Ocean Current
Surface Current
Rip Current
Density Current
A type of vertical current that carries water from the surface to deeper parts of the ocean
Ocean Current
Surface Current
Rip Current
Density Current
A wind-driven current
Ocean Current
Surface Current
Rip Current
Density Current
The movement of wind and water to the right or left that is caused by Earth’s rotation
Upwelling
Coriolis Effect
Thermohaline Ocean Circulation
Cold and salty water sinks. Warm and less salty water rises. This creates a current.
thermo= heat. haline= salt
Upwelling
Coriolis Effect
Thermohaline Ocean Circulation
The vertical movement of water toward the ocean’s surface
Upwelling
Coriolis Effect
Thermohaline Ocean Circulation
The ocean ______ and _________ heat energy across the globe.
(a)
What causes surface currents?
Changes in density rather than wind
Wind
It carries or moves things around the world
When wind blows across the ocean’s surface and pushes water away from an area. Deeper colder water then rises to replace it
What causes upwelling?
Changes in density rather than wind
Wind
It carries or moves things around the world
When wind blows across the ocean’s surface and pushes water away from an area. Deeper colder water then rises to replace it
Why are ocean currents considered a “conveyor belt" ?
Changes in density rather than wind
Wind
It carries or moves things around the world
When wind blows across the ocean’s surface and pushes water away from an area. Deeper colder water then rises to replace it
What do density currents circulate?
Thermal energy
Nutrients
Fish
Gasses
What direction does air and water flow north of the equator?
Counterclockwise
Clockwise
What direction does air and water flow south of the equator?
Counterclockwise
Clockwise
This is a short-term phenomenon
Weather
Climate
This is a long-term phenomenon
Weather
Climate
How does the gulf stream affect the East coast of the United States?
It brings cold water from the arctic and makes the weather cooler
It carries warm water from the equator and makes the weather warmer
How does the California current affect the West coast of the United States?
It brings cold water from the arctic and makes the weather cooler
It carries warm water from the equator and makes the weather warmer
How does the shape of continents and land masses affect the flow and speed of ocean currents?
It makes some places not have hurricanes
It can change the direction or speed of current
It does nothing
Why are rip currents dangerous?
They can make you end up on a deserted island
They can pull you into the jaws of a shark
They can pull you out into the ocean
What type of water is brought up to the surface during an upwelling?
Cold, nutrient-rich water from deep in the ocean
Warm, salty water
