Ocean Currents Quiz

What is the primary cause of surface currents in the ocean?

• The rotation of the Earth
• The moon's gravity
• Wind
• Ocean temperature

How does the Coriolis effect influence currents in the Northern Hemisphere?

• It causes currents to move straight
• It causes currents to bend to the left
• It causes currents to bend to the right
• It has no effect on currents

What is the Gulf Stream known for?

• A cold ocean current
• A warm ocean current that affects climate
• A type of wave
• A river in the United States

What primarily drives deep water currents?

• Wind patterns
• Differences in water temperature and salinity
• The Coriolis effect
• Surface waves

Why do deep water currents move slower than surface currents?

• They are affected by wind
• They are denser and move less quickly
• They are not influenced by the Earth's rotation
• They travel shorter distances

What role do surface currents play in coastal climates?

• They have no effect on climate
• They warm or cool the air above them
• They only affect ocean life
• They change the direction of wind

What is the global conveyor belt?

• A system of surface waves
• A cycle of ocean currents that moves water around the globe
• A type of fishing technique
• A method of measuring ocean depth

Where is a lot of dense water formed?

• Near the equator
• In Antarctica and the North Atlantic Ocean
• In the Indian Ocean
• Along the coast of California

What is one key function of waves in the ocean?

• To create currents
• To carry energy from place to place
• To cool the ocean
• To freeze the water

How long can it take for deep water to resurface?

• A few days
• Up to 500 years
• A few months
• 1 year