Oceans Review 1

Front

What is upwelling?

Back

The movement of deep, cold, nutrient-filled water to the surface of the ocean.

Front

Why is ocean water denser than fresh water at the same temperature?

Back

Due to differences in salinity.

Front

What causes ocean currents to curve to the right in the Northern Hemisphere?

Back

The Coriolis effect.

Front

What is a surface current?

Back

A horizontal movement of ocean water caused by wind that occurs at or near the ocean's surface.

Front

Where is ocean water the densest?

Back

At the bottom of the ocean.

Front

What is salinity?

Back

The concentration of salts in water, which affects its density.

Front

What is the Coriolis effect?

Back

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

Front

What are ocean currents?

Back

Large-scale movements of water within the oceans, driven by wind, temperature, and salinity differences.

Front

What is the Gulf Stream?

Back

A warm ocean current that flows from the Gulf of Mexico along the eastern coast of the United States.

Front

What is a gyre?

Back

A large system of rotating ocean currents, typically driven by wind patterns.