Unit 7 Lesson 3: Ocean Currents

What makes up Earth's atmosphere?

• Convection currents

• Nitrogen, oxygen, argon, carbon dioxide, and water vapor.

• Only water vapor

• Only oxygen

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.

What affect do ocean currents have on the atmosphere?

• The ocean can release energy into the atmosphere or absorb energy from the atmosphere; currents transport energy around the globe.

• The ocean can release energy into the atmosphere or absorb energy from the atmosphere; currents DO NOT transport energy around the globe.

• The Coriolis effect

• Horse latitudes

What are ocean currents?

• Streamline movements through the ocean

• Ocean currents near the surface

• The deflection of moving objects from a straight path due to Earth's rotation.

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

• Surface winds, the Coriolis effect, and continental deflection

• Dissolved solids, dissolved gases, and the sun's energy

Define the Coriolis effect

• The deflection of moving objects from a straight path due to Earth's rotation.

• Streamline currents

• Jet stream

• Convection currents

What causes wind?

• Deep currents in the ocean

• The sun's uneven heating of Earth's surface.

• The Coriolis effect

• Surface currents

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 warn wind blows across cold water.

• An iceberg melts, adding fresh water to ocean water.

• Warm water loses energy to its surroundings and cools.

How do ocean currents and up welling benefit marine life?

• Up welling stirs up food and nutrients; currents help sea creatures travel.

• Energy transfer

• Food for zooplankton.

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

• Upwelling

• Deep currents

• Surface currents

• Convection currents