Ocean Currents and Global Winds

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Questions and Answers

What is the main function of ocean currents?

They transfer heat from the equator to the poles. (correct)

They filter pollutants from the ocean.

They allow ships to navigate.

They create tides.

Surface currents are influenced by prevailing winds and the Coriolis Effect.

True

What are the two main types of ocean currents?

Surface and Density currents.

The __________ current flows north along the east coast of the United States.

Gulf Stream Signup and view all the answers

Match the currents with their characteristics:

Warm currents = Humid climates Cold currents = Drier climates Trade winds = Flow towards the west Westerlies = Flow from the west Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT one of the effects of ocean currents?

Change in ocean salinity Signup and view all the answers

The surface currents have no impact on climate.

False Signup and view all the answers

What role do winds play in the formation of ocean currents?

Winds influence the direction and formation of surface currents. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary feature of the California current?

Flows south along the west coast of the US Signup and view all the answers

Density currents are caused by changes in temperature and salinity.

True Signup and view all the answers

What is the process called that brings nutrient-rich water from the depths to the ocean surface?

Upwelling Signup and view all the answers

The Great Ocean Conveyor Belt is scientifically known as __________.

Thermohaline circulation Signup and view all the answers

How long does it take for a complete cycle of the Thermohaline circulation model?

1000 years Signup and view all the answers

Match each surface current to its characteristic:

Gulf Stream = Warm current California current = Cold current Kuroshio current = Warm current Antarctic Circumpolar current = Cold current Signup and view all the answers

Surface currents bring cold, nutrient-rich water to the ocean surface.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of smaller fish in relation to nutrients in upwelling areas?

They rely on these nutrients and stay where there are large amounts of nutrients. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Ocean Currents

Ocean currents are "rivers" of water moving in a specific direction.
Two main types of ocean currents: surface currents and density currents.
Surface currents are influenced by global winds, the Coriolis Effect, and continent shapes.
Density currents are caused by changes in density, influenced by temperature and salinity.
Ocean currents are essential due to their ability to:
- Transfer heat from the equator towards the poles, allowing for a habitable Earth.
- Influence weather patterns and contribute to regional climates.
- Transport nutrients throughout the ocean, particularly important in cold environments.
- Cycle gases between the ocean and atmosphere.

Global Winds

Prevailing (global) winds are Earth's major wind belts that influence the formation and direction of ocean currents.
These winds only affect surface currents.
Trade Winds:
- Flow towards the west.
- Located between 0° - 30° N/S.
Westerlies:
- Flow from the west.
- Located between 30° - 60° N/S.

Surface Currents

Surface currents transport warm or cold water horizontally across the ocean's surface.
They play a significant role in shaping regional climates:
- Warm currents: associated with more humid climates.
- Cold currents: associated with drier climates.
Examples:
- Gulf Stream: flows north along the East Coast of the US, leading to a humid climate in the Southeast US.
- California Current: flows south along the West Coast of the US, resulting in a dry climate with desert regions.

Density Currents

Density currents occur far below the ocean's surface.
Driven by differences in density (temperature and salinity).
Upwelling: a type of density current that brings cold, nutrient-rich water from the depths to the ocean surface, often along coastlines.

Great Ocean Conveyor Belt

A global "conveyor belt" formed by the combination of surface and density currents.
Acts as a critical mechanism for transferring heat and nutrients throughout the Earth.
Scientifically known as Thermohaline circulation:
- Thermo: temperature
- -haline: salt
This circulation is driven by differences in temperature and salinity, creating a continuous flow of water.
Estimated to take 1000 years for a complete cycle of the Thermohaline Circulation.

Surface Currents To Know

North Atlantic Drift: a warm current extending off the North Atlantic.
Gulf Stream: a warm current originating in the Gulf of Mexico, flowing along the East Coast of the US.
Canary Current: a cold current flowing south along the western coast of Africa.
Labrador Current: a cold current flowing south along the eastern coast of Canada.
Benguela Current: a cold current flowing north along the western coast of South Africa.
California Current: a cold current flowing south along the western coast of the US.
Kuroshio Current: a warm current flowing off the East Coast of Asia.
Peru Current: a cold current flowing north along the western coast of South America.
East Australian Current: a warm current flowing south-east along the eastern coast of Australia.
West Australian Current: a cold current flowing north along the western coast of Australia.
Alaska Current: a warm current flowing southeast along the western coast of Alaska.
Antarctic Circumpolar Current: a cold current flowing east around Antarctica.
Norwegian Current: a warm current flowing north along the Norwegian coast.
Brazil Current: a warm current flowing south along the eastern coast of Brazil.
East Greenland Current: a cold current flowing south along the east coast of Greenland.

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Description

Explore the dynamic mechanisms of ocean currents and their interaction with global winds. This quiz covers surface and density currents, their influences on climate, and the essential role they play in nutrient transportation. Test your understanding of these key oceanographic concepts.