ESB 2.3 Ocean Movement

Front

What are tides?

Back

The periodic rise and fall of sea levels caused by the gravitational pull of the moon and sun.

Front

What are surface currents?

Back

Currents that occur at the top 100-200 meters of ocean water, influenced by wind and the Earth's rotation.

Front

What are waves?

Back

The rhythmic movement of ocean water caused by wind, earthquakes, or other disturbances.

Front

What is upwelling?

Back

The slow vertical movement of ocean water from the depths to the surface, bringing nutrients to the upper layers.

Front

What is a spring tide?

Back

A tide that occurs when the sun and moon are aligned, resulting in higher high tides and lower low tides.

Front

What is a neap tide?

Back

A tide that occurs when the sun and moon are at right angles to each other, resulting in lower high tides and higher low tides.

Front

What causes ocean currents?

Back

Ocean currents are caused by wind, water density differences, and the Earth's rotation.

Front

What is the Coriolis effect?

Back

The deflection of moving objects, including ocean currents, due to the rotation of the Earth.

Front

What are gyres?

Back

Large systems of circulating ocean currents, typically found in the major oceans.

Front

What is the difference between a high tide and a low tide?

Back

High tide is the maximum level of the sea, while low tide is the minimum level.