Marine Currents Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What causes the Coriolis Effect?

Earth's rotating around the sun

Gravity

Earth's rotating on its axis (correct)

Tides

In the northern hemisphere, the effect of Coriolis Force tends the water to move:

Horizontal

Clockwise

Vertical

Counter clockwise (correct)

Why are surface currents at the surface of the ocean?

Colder temperature (correct)

Less salinity

Warmer temperature and less salinity

Colder temperature and more salinity

Which of the following instruments is used to determine the ocean's depth?

Echo sounder Signup and view all the answers

To measure the salinity of ocean water, a ______ should be used?

Refractometer Signup and view all the answers

Which type of water does the California current (west coast) carry from Canada?

Cold Signup and view all the answers

How do warm water currents affect coastal areas along which they flow?

They create unusually warm climates for the latitude Signup and view all the answers

How can the strength of ocean currents be assessed during navigation?

By using echo sounder Signup and view all the answers

What causes vertical ocean currents?

The temperature and salinity of ocean water Signup and view all the answers

What is the main cause of global convection currents?

Uneven heating of the earth by the sun Signup and view all the answers

What drives thermohaline circulation in oceans?

Differences in temperature and salinity Signup and view all the answers

How are deep ocean currents formed?

As cold, dense water sinks and flows beneath warm ocean water Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following does NOT control surface currents?

Tides Signup and view all the answers

How do warm water currents affect the coastal areas along which they flow?

They create unusually warm climates for the latitude Signup and view all the answers

What causes vertical ocean currents?

The temperature and salinity of the ocean Signup and view all the answers

How would you assess a vessel's safe speed during navigation in shallow water?

Calculate the under keel clearance and adjust speed Signup and view all the answers

What is the current and what causes current to happen?

The movements of air due to the sun's heating of the atmosphere and rotation of the earth Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a FALSE statement?

All currents start at the equator Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Ocean Currents and Tides

Surface currents can be controlled by global wind, Coriolis effect, and continental deflections.
Warm water currents can create unusually warm climates for the latitude, make the coastal climate cooler than the inland climate, or create greater rainfall along the coast.

Assessing Safe Speed and Current Strength

To assess vessel safe speed during navigation in shallow water, calculate the under keel clearance and adjust speed.
To assess the strength of ocean current during navigation, use an echo sounder, observe ship speed, or observe wave patterns.

Causes of Ocean Currents

Ocean currents can be caused by imbalance in mass distribution, winds, or the rotation of the earth.
Vertical ocean currents can be caused by the temperature and salinity of ocean water.

Global Convection Currents and Thermohaline Circulation

The main cause of global convection currents is the uneven heating of the earth by the sun.
Thermohaline circulation is driven by differences in temperature and salinity.

Coriolis Effect and Ocean Currents

The Coriolis effect is the apparent curving of the path of oceans and winds due to Earth's rotation.
In the northern hemisphere, the Coriolis force tends to make water move clockwise.

Deep Ocean Currents and Wave Formation

Deep ocean currents form when cold, dense water sinks and flows beneath warm ocean water.
Waves in the ocean are formed by winds transferring energy to the water surface.

Tides

Tides are caused by the gravitational pull of the sun and moon on the earth's oceans.
To calculate the data of tides in a secondary port, apply the data of standard ports.
The range of tide can be determined by subtracting the low water height from the high water height.

Measuring Ocean Depth and Salinity

Echo sounders are used to determine the ocean's depth.
Refractometers are used to measure the salinity of ocean water.

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Description

Test your knowledge on marine surface currents, their controls, and the impact of warm water currents on coastal climates. Identify the factors that influence surface currents and understand their effects on coastal regions.