OCEAN CURRENTS Chapter 14

World Ocean currents- observations?

Surface currents Caused by: Caused by:  Wind  Coriolis effect  shape of continents  Gyre- rotation of surface current  No motion in center of gyre

North Atlantic Gyre Most gyres are made Most gyres are made Of 4 currents Gulf stream N. Atlantic Canary N. Equatorial

Columbus’s voyage Which currents did he use? Which currents did he use? Which direction took longer? Which direction took longer?

North Pacific Gyre Name the 4 currents Name the 4 currents “Garbage patch” in middle “Garbage patch” in middle Mainly plastic Mainly plastic

GMA; Pacific Garbage patch

2011 Tsunami debris

Scenerio In May 1999, 21 deck containers of Nike tennis shoes were lost overboard during a storm. This happened off the coast of Korea. In May 1999, 21 deck containers of Nike tennis shoes were lost overboard during a storm. This happened off the coast of Korea. Where would you expect these shoes to wash up? Which current would take them to their final destination? Where would you expect these shoes to wash up? Which current would take them to their final destination?

NIKE CURRENT PATH

Surface currents Moderates global climate Moderates global climate Warm current warms climate Warm current warms climate Cold current cools climate Cold current cools climate

Gulf Stream Warm current Warm current Intensifies Intensifies Hurricane strength

Currents regulate Earth’s climate

Deep Currents Thermohaline circulation- caused by density and temp. difference Thermohaline circulation- caused by density and temp. difference Salty water sinks; cold water sinks Salty water sinks; cold water sinks Global conveyor belt Global conveyor belt