Ocean Currents
A stream- like movement of water through the ocean
What is an ocean current
What causes surface currents?
Wind and the Coriolis effect
This large, heavenly body is responsible for powering tidal currents
What is the moons gravity
Deep ocean currents are powered by what two characteristics of density?
What is salinity and temperature
warm, humid weather
Ocean Currents bring heat energy from the equator to
The Poles
Large, circular movements of water on the surface
What are Gyres?
All tidal currents are found where?
What is the shore? (beach)
Why does water sink at the poles?
The water is denser at the poles. The water is saltier - Icebergs leave salty water and the water is colder - farther from the sun.
Cold, dry weather is brought by this type of surface current
warm water and warm air, move in what direction?
They rise! (less dense)
In the Northern Hemisphere wind and ocean currents move in what direction?
What is Clockwise
When is the best time to find seashells at the beach
At low tide
Upwelling is...
Surface winds push water away at the surface allowing cool, water to come up
The Gulf Stream
How many surface currents are there?
Many
What is the meaning of Ebb and Flow
The rise and fall of the tidal water, or the side to side movement of the water at the shore
Upwelling brings...
Nutrients and cool water
When a warm current, meets a cold current what kind of weather can you expect.
Significant (a lot) precipitation
Ex: Portland, Seattle
Thermohaline means...
Means: Heat and salinity.
Powers: The global conveyor belt
Marlin and Dory rode this surface ocean current to rescue Nemo
When are tidal currents the strongest?
When the moon is full or in new phase
How long does it take a drop of water to complete the global conveyor belt?
1000 years
At the equator, warm ocean surface currents combine with strong winds to create what kind of tropical storm?
What are hurricanes?