Ocean Currents and Their Impact on Global Climate

Oceanic circulation is driven by wind and thermohaline processes, which involve temperature and salinity differences. Wind influences surface currents, creating gyres in both hemispheres. Thermohaline circulation involves density differences, with cold, salty water sinking and driving deep currents. These processes impact global climate, affecting temperature and precipitation patterns, such as the Gulf Stream warming Western Europe. The Antarctic circumpolar current keeps Antarctica cooler than the North Pole. Ocean currents play a crucial role in redistributing heat and maintaining climate balance.

What are the two main drivers of oceanic circulation?

• Earth's rotation and gravity

• Tides and moon phases

• Wind and solar radiation

• Thermohaline circulation and wind

What does 'thermo' in thermohaline circulation refer to?

• Density

• Pressure

• Temperature

• Salinity

Which of the following statements is true about cold water?

• Cold water evaporates faster than warm water

• Cold water has a higher density than warm water

• Cold water floats on warm water

• Cold water has a lower density than warm water

What effect does the Coriolis effect have on ocean currents in the Northern Hemisphere?

• It has no effect on ocean currents

• It causes currents to deviate to the right

• It causes currents to deviate to the left

• It causes currents to move in a straight line

How many gyres are formed in the Southern Hemisphere?

• Two

• One

• Four

• Three

What is the primary effect of warm ocean currents on coastal climates?

• They cause droughts

• They increase precipitation

• They decrease precipitation

• They have no effect on precipitation

Which ocean current is responsible for making Western Europe warmer than other regions at the same latitude?

• The Antarctic Circumpolar Current

• The Gulf Stream

• The Pacific Gyre

• The Indian Ocean Current

What would happen to the equator if there were no ocean currents?

• It would experience more rainfall

• It would become warmer

• It would become cooler

• It would remain the same

What is the name of the current that flows around Antarctica?

• The Antarctic Circumpolar Current

• The Gulf Stream

• The Pacific Gyre

• The Indian Ocean Current

What are the main factors driving oceanic circulation?

• Tides and gravity

• Solar radiation and moon phases

• Earth's rotation and magnetic fields

• Temperature and salinity differences, and wind currents