Ocean Currents Review

What role does heat play in the formation of convection currents in Earth's oceans?

• When water loses heat, it becomes denser and sinks.

• When water gains heat, it becomes denser and sinks.

• When water loses heat to cooler water, the cooler water becomes denser and sinks.

• When water gains heat, it dissolves more solids and gases, becomes denser, and sinks.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Which sequence shows the chain of energy transfers that create surface currents on the ocean?

• wind energy → solar energy → surface currents

• tidal energy → wind energy → surface currents

• geothermal energy → wind energy → surface currents

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

How does the ocean play a role in regulating the amount of carbon in the air?

• Water can absorb atmospheric carbon dioxide.

• Aquatic organisms release carbon dioxide into the water.

• Carbon in plants is used to make sugars that are energy sources.

• Carbon in fossil fuels began as the remains of dead aquatic and land plants and animals.

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NGSS.HS-ESS2-6

NGSS.HS-LS2-5

Which action can cause an increase in density that results in a deep ocean current?

• The sun heats the water’s surface.

• A warm wind blows across cold water.

• An iceberg melts, adding fresh water to ocean water.

• Warm water loses energy to its surroundings and cools.

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NGSS.MS-PS3-4

When hot water is poured into a tank, what happens to it initially?

• sink to the bottom

• stay near the surface

• mix with the cold water

• become less dense

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NGSS.MS-PS1-4

Compared to cold water, hot water is generally _______.

• less dense

• denser

• the same density

• not affected by temperature

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NGSS.MS-PS1-4

In Earth's poles, where ocean water cools, what happens to the water before it sinks?

• heats up

• cools

• evaporates

• expands

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

What is the primary force causing the formation of deep ocean currents?

• gravity

• sunlight

• wind

• heat

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

How do ocean waves and ocean currents help in the distribution of solar energy?

• They transfer solar energy only along the equator.

• They transfer solar energy around the globe.

• They prevent solar energy from reaching the ocean surface.

• They store solar energy in the deep ocean.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

What would likely happen to the water's salinity and density if a large amount of salt were suddenly dumped into one region of the ocean?

• The salinity and density would both decrease.

• The salinity would increase and the density would decrease.

• The salinity would decrease and the density would increase.

• The salinity and density would both increase.