4.7.2 Part 2 Ocean Water Movements (SOL 4.7) Perkins

Front

What is the Gulf Stream?

Back

The Gulf Stream is a strong ocean current located off the east coast of the U.S. that carries warm water from the Gulf of Mexico into the Atlantic Ocean.

Front

What determines the salinity of ocean water?

Back

The salinity of ocean water is determined by the depth of the water, melting icebergs, rates of evaporation, and the amount of runoff from nearby land and erosion.

Front

What are tides?

Back

Tides are the daily rise and fall of the Earth's water on the coastline due to the moon's gravitational pull.

Front

True or False: Ocean currents are caused by wind patterns and temperature differences in water.

Back

True.

Front

What is an ocean current?

Back

An ocean current is a continuous, directed movement of seawater generated by various forces acting upon it, including wind, water density differences, and the Earth's rotation.

Front

What is salinity?

Back

Salinity is the measure of the amount of salt dissolved in water, typically expressed in parts per thousand (ppt).

Front

What causes ocean currents?

Back

Ocean currents are caused by wind patterns, differences in water temperature, and salinity, as well as the Earth's rotation.

Front

What is the role of evaporation in ocean water salinity?

Back

Evaporation increases salinity because it removes water but leaves salts behind, concentrating the salt in the remaining water.

Front

What is the relationship between ocean currents and climate?

Back

Ocean currents help regulate the Earth's climate by distributing heat from the equator to the poles.

Front

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

Back

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