U2L4 - Ocean Currents Pretest

Front

What do the unlabeled arrows on a map showing trade winds and westerlies in the Northern Hemisphere represent?

Back

Movement of ocean water.

Front

What causes an increase in density that results in a deep ocean current?

Back

Warm water loses energy to its surroundings and cools.

Front

What conclusion can be drawn about Earth’s surface currents in the Southern Hemisphere?

Back

Surface currents in the Southern Hemisphere flow in a counterclockwise direction.

Front

What three factors most directly affect surface currents in the oceans?

Back

Surface winds, the Coriolis effect, and continental deflection.

Front

How does convection cause ocean currents?

Back

During convection, water that was warmed by the sun loses heat, becomes denser, and sinks.

Front

What is the Coriolis effect?

Back

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

Front

What is upwelling in ocean currents?

Back

Upwelling is the process where deep, cold water rises to the surface, bringing nutrients.

Front

How do surface winds influence ocean currents?

Back

Surface winds drive the movement of ocean water, creating surface currents.

Front

What role does the sun play in ocean currents?

Back

The sun heats the surface water, affecting its temperature and density, which drives currents.

Front

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

Back

Deep ocean currents are driven by differences in water density, while surface currents are driven by wind.