Currents in the Ocean

Front

What is salinity?

Back

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

Front

How does increased salinity affect the density of ocean water?

Back

Increased salinity makes ocean water denser.

Front

What is the relationship between temperature and water density?

Back

As temperature decreases, water density increases because cold water is denser than warm water.

Front

What are surface currents?

Back

Surface currents are ocean currents that occur in the upper layer of the ocean, primarily driven by wind and the Earth's rotation.

Front

What type of water do surface currents typically carry?

Back

Surface currents typically carry warm, less dense water.

Front

What are deep ocean currents?

Back

Deep ocean currents are currents that flow below the surface of the ocean, driven by differences in water density due to temperature and salinity.

Front

What factors control deep ocean currents?

Back

Deep ocean currents are controlled by temperature, salinity, and water density, but not by wind.

Front

What happens to water molecules when they are cooled?

Back

When water molecules are cooled, they contract, becoming denser.

Front

What is the effect of temperature on ocean currents?

Back

Temperature affects ocean currents by influencing water density; warmer water is less dense and tends to rise, while cooler water is denser and sinks.

Front

What is thermohaline circulation?

Back

Thermohaline circulation is the global movement of ocean water driven by differences in temperature (thermo) and salinity (haline), affecting climate and weather patterns.