Ocean Currents and Climate

Front

What happens to cool air in convection?

Back

Cool air sinks.

Front

Why does a hurricane lose wind speed when it hits land?

Back

It no longer gains energy from warm ocean water.

Front

What are currents that occur at or near the surface of the ocean called?

Back

Surface Currents.

Front

How do ocean currents affect global climates?

Back

They can cause areas to have warmer or cooler climates than expected.

Front

What is one role of the ocean in convection?

Back

To absorb and release heat.

Front

What are deep ocean currents driven by?

Back

Differences in water density due to temperature and salinity.

Front

What is the Coriolis effect?

Back

The deflection of moving objects caused by the rotation of the Earth.

Front

What is the primary cause of ocean currents?

Back

Wind, Earth's rotation, and differences in water density.

Front

What is upwelling?

Back

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

Front

What is thermohaline circulation?

Back

A global ocean circulation driven by temperature and salinity differences.