Definitions
Highest part of a wave
Crest
Near the equator global winds blow ocean currents in which direction?
East to west
What type of climate do warm-water currents create for coastal areas?
They create warmer climates.
The vertical distance between wave crest and wave trough.
Wave height
How does the moon’s gravity create high and low tides?
The moon is revolving more slowly than the Earth is rotating.
Lowest part of a wave
Trough
What can transport many times more water than all the rivers in the world?
The gulf stream
What did Thor Heyerdahl prove when he sailed from Peru to Polynesia?
Ocean currents could have enabled ancient people to make this trip.
Why does an earthquake cause a tsunami?
Because a large body of water is pushed up from the ocean floor.
What patterns cause spring tides and neap tides?
The height of high tide varies with the phases of the moon.
Distance between adjacent wave crests or troughs.
Wavelength
What surface current is deflected by the continent of South America?
Brazil current
How do surface currents compare to deep currents?
Colder and more dense.
Why do the wave heights increase as they approach shore?
The waves begin to interact with the ocean floor.
What do you know to be true because of spring tides and neap tides?
The height of high tide varies with the phases of the moon.
Areas where water is drawn away from the shore.
Low tide
What causes water from deep currents to rise to the surface to replace warm currents?
Flow of warm currents from the equator to the poles
What happens to water molecules when the air above water gets cold?
They slow down and get closer together, which decreases the water’s density.
wavelength (m)/wave period (s)=
How to calculate wave speed
What are negative effects of El Niño?
Alters weather patterns and causes flash floods and mudslides.
Moon’s gravity pulls water into a bulge
High tide
What is an example of how the coriolis effect impacts wind and surface currents?
The wind and currents move in a curved path.
Which direction does the undertow flow in?
In the opposite direction of the wave.
Where does the tidal bore usually occur?
Along the coast with narrow bays, inlets, and river channels
Why is it important for scientists to study and understand El Niño?
Because it effects organisms (living things) and land.