Ocean Currents and Climate Change

Earth's oceans are major heat and carbon dioxide absorbers, influencing global climate and weather patterns. Ocean currents, driven by winds and water density differences, redistribute heat. Oceans also act as carbon sinks, absorbing CO2 and leading to acidification, which threatens marine life. Salinity variations, due to evaporation and ice formation, affect ocean circulation, crucial for climate regulation. Climate change is impacting ocean currents, potentially altering weather patterns and increasing sea levels and storm intensity.

What percentage of excess heat from human activities have Earth's oceans absorbed over the past 70 years?

• 70%

• 93%

• 50%

• 100%

Which factor primarily drives ocean currents at the surface?

• Salinity

• Winds

• Temperature

• Density

What is one consequence of ocean heat waves?

• More rainfall

• Increased fish population

• Coral bleaching

• Decreased sea levels

How much of the carbon dioxide emissions from human activity do oceans absorb?

• Three-quarters

• Half

• All

• About a quarter

What is one of the variables that affect the amount of heat and carbon dioxide absorbed by oceans?

• Phytoplankton

• Ocean depth

• Wind speed

• Sunlight

How can satellites help in understanding ocean currents?

• By measuring fish populations

• By tracking ship movements

• By measuring sea level and slope

• By observing cloud patterns

What causes ocean salinity to rise in certain areas?

• Increased rainfall

• Melting ice

• High evaporation

• River inflow

What is the term for the vertical overturning of the ocean that regulates global climate?

• Gulf Stream

• Thermo-haline circulation

• El Niño

• Monsoon

What could be a consequence of the weakening of the North Atlantic overturning?

• Warmer winters in Europe

• Increased salinity in the Pacific Ocean

• Higher sea levels on the Atlantic coast of North America

• Decreased hurricane activity

What is the purpose of the climate change initiative mentioned in the video?

• To produce long-term data sets

• To promote tourism

• To increase fish populations

• To reduce ocean pollution