ocean surface currents
Surface currents flow in a specific way
Can Surface currents flow like rivers in distinct patterns around the Earth
True or false,
The East Australian Current does flow along the East coast of Australia
True
What would happen if Earth's surface were covered only with water
Currents would travel in a fixed pattern across the Earth
Deep Currents definition
Deep currents are stream-like movements of ocean water far below the ocean surface
Waves are made of two main components
Waves are made of two main components - crests and troughs
Surface currents are controlled by what four factors
global winds, the Coriolis effect, continental deflections, and the water temperature
True or False,
The Eastern austrailian current doesnt flow southward from the Great Barrier Reef
False
When currents meet landforms what happens
they change direction
True or false,
Deep currents are not controlled by wind or the Coriolis effect.
True
A crest is what
A crest is the highest point and the trough is the lowest point
Surface currents can reach certain depths
several hundred meters
The East Australian Current transports how much water per second
40 million cubic meters
When currents meet landforms they change direction, what is this known as
This is known as continental deflection
What are deep currents controlled by
Deep currents are mainly controlled by increases in water density
A wavelength is what
A wavelength is the distance between two adjust crests or troughs
Surface currents can reach certain lengths
Several thousand kilometers
How deep is the current
1.5 km deep
Surface currents greatly affect the climate in many parts of the world, Some surface currents warm and some cool coastal areas year-round, This causes what
This causes changes in the atmosphere that disrupt the climate in many parts of the world
Temperature and salinity affect what
Temperature and salinity affect the density of ocean water
what is wave height
Wave height is the vertical distance between a waves crest and its trough
Just as with winds, the rotation of the Earth causes surface currents to move in curved paths rather than straight lines.
Coriolis Effect
How wide is the current
100 km wide
Warm water currents begin where
Warm water currents begin near the equator and carry warm water to other parts of the ocean
Less-dense water always flows on what
Less-dense water always flows on top of denser water.
Waves move in what pattern
Waves move in a circular pattern