Ocean Circulation & Stratification Quiz

What primarily drives surface currents in our oceans?

• Differential heating and the Coriolis Effect

• Magnetic fields of the Earth

• Continental drift

• Tidal forces from the moon

What is the role of western boundary currents?

• They decrease moisture in the atmosphere

• They cool down the equator

• They bring cold water to the poles

• They transfer warm water to higher latitudes

How is deep ocean water primarily formed?

• From melting icebergs

• From cold, salty waters sinking

• From freshwater inputs from rivers

• From underwater volcanic activity

What is the main consequence of increased ocean stratification?

• Increased fish populations

• Decreased oxygen levels in the deep ocean

• Faster ocean currents

• Decreased salinity of ocean water

What effect does the Antarctic Circumpolar Current have on Antarctica?

• It warms the continent

• It blocks warm currents, maintaining large ice sheets

• It contributes to the melting of ice shelves

• It decreases the salinity of surrounding waters

What drives thermohaline circulation?

• Differences in water density

• Solar radiation

• Wind patterns

• Earth's rotation

What is a major consequence of the warming of the oceans?

• Increased stratification

• Faster thermohaline circulation

• Decreased sea levels

• Increased ice formation

What happens to the thermohaline circulation system with increased global warming?

• It speeds up significantly

• It may slow down or stop

• It remains unchanged

• It reverses direction

Why is the formation of deep water important?

• It increases the ocean's temperature

• It brings oxygen and other gases into the deep ocean

• It reduces the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere

• It promotes the growth of coral reefs

What is the impact of melting ice shelves on sea levels?

• No impact

• Temporary decrease in sea levels

• Rapid increase in sea levels

• Stabilization of sea levels