Ocean Currents

Deep Ocean currents are primarily caused by

• temperature and salinity

• wind

• gravity

• precipitation

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

What is the driving force of the deep water ocean conveyor belt?

• Winds push the deep water into the Pacific and Indian oceans.

• Gravity from the moon pulls the water towards the equator.

• The spinning of Earth makes the deep water current run in circular paths.

• Very cold temperatures at the poles create very cold, salty water that pushes the deep water current.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Differences in water temperature create movement in the Ocean because

• bodies of water at different temperature have different densities.

• warm water is pulled more by the force of gravity then cold water is.

• warm and cold water mix until they reach the same temperature.

• The ocean just likes to "move-it move-it".

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

which of these characteristics will produce the most dense water?

• high salinity, high temperature

• high salinity, low temperature

• low salinity, high temperature

• low salinity, low temperature

What is the effect of the flow of the Gulf Stream Current on Clifden, Ireland

• It keeps the coastal area cool.

• It makes the climate warmer.

• It makes it rain less.

• It makes the climate colder.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Stream like movements of water

• Ocean Currents

• Continental Deflections

• Coriolis Effect

• Upwelling

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Which of the following 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.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

NGSS.MS-PS1-4

Which of the following movements of ocean water has the greatest direct effect on the growth of producers?

• upwelling

• deep current

• surface current

• convection current

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

Which three factors most directly affect surface currents in the oceans?

• upwelling, convection, and the sun’s energy

• deep currents, convection currents, and surface winds

• dissolved solids, dissolved gases, and the sun’s energy

• surface winds, the Coriolis Effect, and continental deflection

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

How does convection cause ocean currents?

• During the process of convection, energy is transferred to the atmosphere, forming winds. These winds power surface currents.

• During the process of convection, the heating of surface water by the sun results in upwelling.

• During the process of convection, energy in warm water is lost to its surroundings. The water cools, becomes denser, and sinks.

• During the process of convection, more minerals and gases dissolve in warm water. This increases the density of the warm water and causes it to sink.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6