Today’s Agenda…2-17 Bellringer: Explain what happens to temperature and pressure as you go deeper in the ocean. Review this week’s topics Notes on Oceans Currents and Climate

Ocean Currents and Climate Study Pack #9

Today’s Goals… I can explain how ocean currents affect weather and climate.

?True or False? The ocean is always in motion. Surface currents are caused by winds. The gulf stream that moves north from Florida carries cold water. In an upwelling, warm water rises quickly to the surface.

Ocean Currents The ocean is constantly in motion Currents move the water from place to place Currents exist at the surface and deeper water

Causes of Surface Currents Surface currents are powered by wind Surface currents are curved due to earth’s rotation The gulf stream flows from Florida and curves toward the east

Ocean Currents Gulf stream currents are usually warm and help to distribute heat from the equator to other areas The climate of areas near the stream are influenced Example: Iceland (page 382)

Ocean Currents Some currents are cool and cause areas they are near to be cooler Example: California Current (page 382)

Density Currents Occur when more dense sea water sinks and moves to less dense areas Water can become more dense by being cooler or containing more salt As the cool water sinks, warm water rises, warming coastlines

Upwelling A current in the ocean that brings deep, cold water to the ocean surface Often occur along coasts where warm water is blown away from the land (page 384) Cold water rises to take its place

?True or False? The ocean is always in motion. Surface currents are caused by winds. The gulf stream that moves north from Florida carries cold water. In an upwelling, warm water rises quickly to the surface.

Exit Slip How do ocean currents affect climate?