Ocean Currents Review

Front

What are movements of ocean water in a continuous flow called?

Back

Ocean currents.

Front

What is the name of the warm, strong current off the coast of Florida?

Back

Gulf Stream.

Front

What causes movement in the ocean due to differences in water temperature?

Back

Bodies of water at different temperatures have different densities.

Front

What causes deep ocean currents?

Back

Density differences.

Front

What is downwelling in ocean currents?

Back

Downwelling is when oxygen-rich water from the surface sinks.

Front

What is the likely cause of water sinking during downwelling?

Back

The temperature of the water decreases.

Front

What is the Coriolis Effect?

Back

The Coriolis Effect is the deflection of moving objects caused by the rotation of the Earth.

Front

How do ocean currents affect climate?

Back

Ocean currents help regulate temperatures and weather patterns by distributing heat around the planet.

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 and occur below the surface.

Front

What role does gravity play in ocean currents?

Back

Gravity helps drive the movement of water, particularly in the formation of deep ocean currents.