Exploring the Dynamics of Ocean Currents

In 1992, a cargo ship lost 28,000 rubber ducks in the North Pacific, which helped researchers study ocean currents. Ocean currents are driven by wind, tides, water density, and Earth's rotation, and are categorized into surface and deep ocean currents. Surface currents are influenced by wind and tides, forming gyres due to the Coriolis Effect. Deep ocean currents are driven by water density changes, forming thermohaline circulation. Together, they create the Global Conveyor Belt, which affects climate and weather systems. Rising sea temperatures may slow this belt, impacting global weather.

What event in 1992 helped researchers better understand ocean currents?

• A cargo ship losing bath toys

• A major earthquake

• An oil spill

• A volcanic eruption

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Which of the following is NOT a source that drives ocean currents?

• Sunlight

• Wind

• Tides

• Earth's rotation

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

What percentage of the ocean's water is controlled by surface currents?

• 50%

• 10%

• 100%

• 90%

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

What is the major force behind surface currents in the open ocean?

• Tides

• Wind

• Earth's rotation

• Water density

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

What are the large loops formed by surface currents called?

• Vortices

• Eddies

• Gyres

• Whirlpools

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

What effect causes the deflection of air and water due to Earth's rotation?

• Magnetic Effect

• Tidal Effect

• Coriolis Effect

• Gravitational Effect

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

What primarily drives deep ocean currents?

• Earth's rotation

• Changes in water density

• Tides

• Wind

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

What is the vertical current set up by cold, salty water sinking called?

• Convection current

• Surface circulation

• Thermohaline circulation

• Gyre circulation

What is the name of the longest current in the world?

• Antarctic Circumpolar Current

• Global Conveyor Belt

• Kuroshio Current

• Gulf Stream

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

What is a potential consequence of the Global Conveyor Belt slowing down?

• Decreased marine biodiversity

• Havoc with weather systems

• Increased ocean salinity

• Increased volcanic activity

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6