Surface Currents

Front

What is the Gulf Stream?

Back

The Gulf Stream is a warm ocean current that originates near the Equator and flows from the east coast of the United States to the west coast of Europe.

Front

What type of water does the Gulf Stream carry?

Back

The Gulf Stream carries warm water.

Front

What are surface currents?

Back

Surface currents are ocean currents that occur within the first few hundred meters of the ocean's surface.

Front

What causes surface currents?

Back

Surface currents are mainly caused by wind.

Front

How does the Coriolis Effect influence water movement in the northern hemisphere?

Back

Due to the Coriolis Effect, water in the northern hemisphere moves in a clockwise direction.

Front

What is the difference between surface currents and deep currents?

Back

Surface currents are found in the upper layers of the ocean, while deep currents occur deeper in the ocean.

Front

What is the role of wind in ocean currents?

Back

Wind drives surface currents by exerting force on the water's surface.

Front

What is the Coriolis Effect?

Back

The Coriolis Effect is the deflection of moving objects, such as air and water, caused by the rotation of the Earth.

Front

What happens to land temperatures when surface currents come from the poles?

Back

Land temperatures are cooler when surface currents come from the poles.

Front

What are convection currents?

Back

Convection currents are movements of fluid caused by differences in temperature and density.