Ocean Currents and Weather Phenomena

What primarily drives ocean currents?

• The rotation of the earth

• The salinity of the ocean water

• Temperature and salinity gradients

• Thermocline circulation

What primarily drives surface ocean currents?

• The wind blowing across the surface of the ocean

• The rotation of the earth

• The salinity of the ocean water

• All of the above

The least likely reason weather moves from west to east?

• Global wind patterns

• Earth's rotation

• Coriolis effect

• The uneven heating of the Earth's surface by the Sun.

What causes surface currents?

• Wind, geographical orientation, Coriolis effect

• Density differences between water bodies

• Rotation of the Earth on its axis

• Upwelling

Which way does weather move around a high-pressure system?

• Clockwise and brings clear weather

• Counter-clockwise and brings stormy weather

• Clockwise and brings stormy weather

• Counter-clockwise and brings clear weather

What is the boundary between air masses called?

• Dew point

• Front

• Point at which condensation occurs

• Boundary between air masses

What does ENSO stand for?

• El Niño Surface Oscillation

• El Niño Southern Oscillation

• El Niño Southern Ocean

• None of the above

What do isobars represent on synoptic charts?

• Areas of equal temperature

• Zones of high humidity

• Lines of equal pressure

• Wind direction patterns

How do the spacing of isobars relate to pressure gradients?

• Closer isobars indicate weaker pressure gradients

• Isobars have no relation to pressure gradients

• Isobars represent wind speed, not pressure

• Closer isobars indicate stronger pressure gradients

Which oceanic and atmospheric phenomenon characterize ENSO?

• Fluctuations in temperature between the ocean and atmosphere

• Changes in sea level pressure

• Shifts in rainfall distribution worldwide

• All of the above