Ocean Currents

Front

What are Surface Currents?

Back

Currents that are on the surface or less than 100 meters deep (330 feet) in the ocean.

Front

What is the Coriolis Effect?

Back

The Coriolis Effect is the phenomenon that causes moving objects, like water, to turn and twist rather than move in a straight line due to the rotation of the Earth.

Front

How do surface currents in the northern hemisphere move?

Back

They move in a clockwise direction due to the Coriolis Effect.

Front

What are Deep Currents?

Back

Movements of ocean water located far below the surface.

Front

What causes surface currents north and south of the equator to move in different directions?

Back

The rotation of the Earth.

Front

Is it true that as you go deeper in the ocean, the water is colder and less salty?

Back

False. As you go deeper, the water is colder but generally more saline.

Front

What is the primary driver of ocean currents?

Back

Wind, temperature differences, and the Earth's rotation.

Front

What role do temperature differences play in ocean currents?

Back

Temperature differences create density variations in water, which drive the movement of currents.

Front

What is the difference between surface currents and deep currents?

Back

Surface currents are found at the top layer of the ocean, while deep currents occur far below the surface.

Front

What is the Gulf Stream?

Back

A major surface current in the Atlantic Ocean that originates in the Gulf of Mexico and flows up the eastern coast of the United States.