Ocean Surface Currents (Slides 1 & 2)
Streamlike movements of water that occur at or near the surface of the ocean are called
Surface Currents
How wide is the current
100 km wide
What happens when currents meet landforms
They change direction
What are deep currents controlled by
Increases in water density
What two components are waves made of
Crests and troughs
Surface currents flow like ______ in distinct patterns around the Earth.
Rivers
How deep is the current
1.5 km deep
Where do warm water currents begin
Near the equator and carry warm water to other parts of the ocean.
What affects the density of ocean water
Temperature and salinity
What is a crest
The highest point
What stream is one of the longest surface current
The Gulf Stream
Does the current flow southward from the Great Barrier Reef
Yes it does
What do surface currents greatly affect
What happens when ocean water gets denser
It becomes saltier or gets colder
What is a trough
What is one factor that surface currents are controlled by
The Coriolis effect, continental deflections, and the water temp.
Is The East Australian Current the fast-flowing warp tube as it is in the movie
No, it's an even better ride than that
What do cold water currents do
They carry cool water to other parts of the ocean.
What are deep currents not controlled by
Wind or The Coriolis Effect
What is wave height
The vertical distance between a waves crest and its trough
Global winds blowing across the Earth’s surface creates what?
Surface Currents
How strong are the speeds in the core of the EAC
Up to 4.5 mph
What causes changes in the atmosphere that disrupt the climate in many parts of the world
The fact that some surface currents warm and some cool coastal areas year-round
What are deep currents
They are streamlike movements of ocean water far below the ocean surface
Ocean waves form because of what
Friction between the wind and the surface of the water