What is a circular pattern of surface currents in an ocean basin?
A Gyres
100
What is an abyssal plain?
a plain at the bottom at the ocean
100
What are convection cells responsible for
prevailing winds
200
Name 2 characteristics of Western Boundary Currents?
Fast Moving
Transfer warm water to the poles
Hug Western edges of an ocean basin
200
What is a seamount?
A steep-sided formation that rises sharply from the ocean floor?
200
What is a neap tide?
moderate tides
200
what is the salinity of the open ocean
33 ppt
300
At what temperature is water most dense?
4 degrees celsius
300
The yungest deep water is found in what ocean?
North Atlantic Ocean
300
How are volcanoes formed?
Cracks in the earth's crust that are formed from molten lava and buildup over time.
300
Why do photos of underwater creatures appear blue
because blue light penetrates deepest
400
How does temperature affect density of water?
As it gets colder, water contracts making it heavier.
As it gets warmer, water contracts making less dense.
400
Where is water likely to sink in a global thermohaline circulation current?
The Poles
400
What is a rift zone?
Regions where the lithosphere splits, seperates, and moves apart as a new crust is formed.
400
When are spring tides expected?
During full & new moons and when the sun & moon are aligned.
400
Where would you expect to find brackish water
at the mouth of a river
500
How does salinity effect water density?
salinity adds extra weight to the water and all extra particles make it more dense.
500
A deep water formation is caused by?
high salinity, high density, and ice formation.
500
What is the difference between a continental rise and a continental slope?
Continental Rise: Gentle slope at the BASE of a steep continental slope
Continental Slope: The transition between the continental shelf and the deep ocean floor.