Marine 2.3 Tides and ocean currents

Front

What are spring tides and how do they occur?

Back

Spring tides are the highest and lowest tides that occur when the Earth, Sun, and Moon are aligned, amplifying the gravitational pull.

Front

What are neap tides and how do they differ from spring tides?

Back

Neap tides occur when the Sun and Moon are at right angles to each other, resulting in smaller tidal ranges compared to spring tides.

Front

What causes deep ocean currents?

Back

Deep ocean currents are caused by differences in water density, which can be influenced by temperature and salinity.

Front

What is the role of trade winds in the El Niño phenomenon?

Back

Weakened trade winds during El Niño push less warm surface water to the West, disrupting normal oceanic patterns.

Front

Why is upwelling important for marine ecosystems?

Back

Upwelling brings nutrient-rich water from the deep ocean to the surface, supporting marine food chains.

Front

How does the gravitational pull of the Moon affect tides?

Back

The gravitational pull of the Moon creates bulges in the Earth's oceans, leading to high and low tides.

Front

What is the significance of the Earth's tilt in relation to tides?

Back

The Earth's tilt affects the intensity and timing of tides, influencing seasonal variations in tidal patterns.

Front

How do ocean currents influence climate?

Back

Ocean currents distribute heat around the planet, affecting weather patterns and climate in different regions.

Front

What is the difference between surface currents and deep ocean currents?

Back

Surface currents are driven by wind and affect the upper layer of the ocean, while deep ocean currents are driven by density differences.

Front

What impact does El Niño have on global weather patterns?

Back

El Niño can lead to increased rainfall in some regions and droughts in others, disrupting typical weather patterns.