Ocean Surface Currents and Climate

The Gulf Stream carries warm water to the North Atlantic Ocean, which contributes to

• a mild climate for the British Isles.

• a harsh winter in the British Isles.

• a cold-water surface current that flows to the British Isles.

• a warm-water surface current that flows along the coast of California.

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Ocean currents affect climates around the world. Based on the map, which area MOST likely has a warmer climate than expected?

• 1

• 2

• 3

• 4

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Currents that occur at or near the surface of the ocean are called 

• Deep Currents

• Convection Currents

• Surface Currents

• Wave Currents

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

The warm, strong current off the coast of Florida is the 

• Gulf Stream

• California Current

• North Equatorial Current

• Brazil Current

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Cold ocean currents originate near the ​ (a)   because this is where the Earth receives the least amount of heat. Warm ocean currents originate near the ​ (b)   because this is where the Earth gets the most direct energy from the ​ (c)   .

• equator

• Sun

• Poles

• continents

• jet stream

• hurricanes

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

causes surface currents.

• The Coriolis Effect

• gravity

• density differences

• wind

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Warmer, more humid & cloudier = ​ (a)  

Clear, cooler & drier = ​ (b)  

• Warm Ocean Current

• Cool Ocean Current

• ​ Jovian (Gas Giant) Planets

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causes surface currents.

• The Coriolis Effect

• gravity

• density differences

• wind

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

What causes surface currents north and south of the equator to move in different directions? 

• Gases in the ocean

• The rotation of the Earth

• Temperature differences

• Continental deflection

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

When surface currents meet continents they ___?

• Stop moving

• Are deflected (change paths)

• Continue in the direction they were going

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-6