Ocean Currents

Front

What causes surface currents in the ocean?

Back

Surface currents are caused by warmer temperatures and lower salinity.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Front

What primarily drives deep ocean currents?

Back

Deep ocean currents are primarily driven by density differences in water.

Front

Where in the ocean is the water the densest?

Back

Ocean water is densest at the bottom.

Front

What is the Global Conveyor Belt?

Back

The Global Conveyor Belt is a constantly moving system of deep-ocean circulation driven by temperature and salinity that moves water around the globe.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Front

How do ocean currents affect temperature distribution on Earth?

Back

Ocean currents bring warm water from the equator towards the poles, affecting temperature distribution.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Front

What role does salinity play in ocean currents?

Back

Salinity affects the density of seawater, which in turn influences the movement of ocean currents.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Front

What is the relationship between temperature and ocean current movement?

Back

Warmer water is less dense and tends to rise, while cooler water is denser and sinks, driving the movement of ocean currents.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Front

How do ocean currents impact climate?

Back

Ocean currents help regulate climate by distributing heat across the planet.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Front

What is the significance of the thermohaline circulation?

Back

Thermohaline circulation is crucial for regulating global climate and oceanic nutrient distribution.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Front

What factors can disrupt ocean currents?

Back

Factors such as climate change, melting ice caps, and human activities can disrupt ocean currents.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6