Ocean Currents and Wind

Explain the role of density in the movement of deep currents.

• Cold, high salinity deep current water is less dense than warm, low salinity surface current water. As warm water sinks, cold water will move in to take its place, creating a circular movement called a convection current.

• Cold, high salinity deep current water is more dense than warm, low salinity surface current water. As warm water rises, cold water will move in to take its place, creating a circular movement called a convection current.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

If a cool surface current flows along a coastline, what effect might it have on the climate in that area?

• In general, it will bring warmer temperatures in the summer and milder temperatures in the winters

• In general, it will bring cooler temperatures in the summer and milder temperatures in the winters

• In general, it will have no long term effect on climate in that area.

• In general, it will bring cooler temperatures in the summer and colder temperatures in the winters

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Describe convection.

• the transfer of heat energy across open space

• the transfer of heat energy by movement of water or air in a circular motion

• the transfer of heat energy by direct contact

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

The global movement of air occurs in convection cells. In general, how does air move?

• from areas of higher pressure to areas of lower pressure

• From areas of lower pressure to areas of higher pressure

• from areas of higher temperature to areas of lower temperature

• from areas of lower temperature to areas of higher temperature 

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Point A and B are the same distance from the equator and they are both near the ocean. Use the map to determine which location has a warmer temperature.

• Point A is warmer because the ocean current is coming from the equator. The ocean currents that come from the equator are warm because there is more thermal energy.

• Point B is warmer because the ocean current is coming from the equator. The ocean currents that come from the equator are warm because there is more thermal energy.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Point A and B are the same distance from the equator and they are both near the ocean. Use the map to determine which location has a colder temperature.

• Point A is colder because the ocean current is coming from the north pole. The ocean currents that come from the north pole are colder because there is less thermal energy.

• Point B is colder because the ocean current is coming from the north pole. The ocean currents that come from the north pole are colder because there is less thermal energy.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Why is it warmer in Charleston than it is in San Diego even though they are the same distance from the Equator?

• San Diego has an ocean current that is coming from equator which as more thermal energy.

• Charleston has an ocean current that is coming from the north pole that has less thermal energy.

• Charleston has an ocean current that is coming from equator which as more thermal energy.

• San Diego has an ocean current that is coming from the north pole that has less thermal energy.

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Alpha and Delta are the same distance from the equator and they are both near the ocean. Use the information on the map to answer these questions: How does the air temperature of Alpha compare to the air temperature of Delta? Why?

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The apparent curving of the path of wind and ocean currents due to the Earth’s rotation is called the ________________.

• Greenhouse Effect

• Coriolis Effect

• Doldrums

• Continental Deflection

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Wind blows from an area of high pressure to an area of _________________.

• Low elevation .

• Low pressure

• Low temperature

• Low density

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-5