Ocean Currents Objective: How does the temperature affect the ocean’s currents?

Oceans Video http://www1.teachertube.com/viewVideo.php?video_id=173915&title=Exploring_Oceans&vpkey=

Ocean Currents Movement in ocean water caused by temperature, wind, and the moon’s gravity

Surface Currents Near the top of the ocean and are caused by winds

Deep Currents Movement deep below the ocean’s surface caused by changes in density (water temperature) and salinity (amount of salt) Hot water is LESS dense and will always rise above cold water

Global Conveyor Belt Deep water current

How do currents affect climates? Warm ______ currents mean warm climate

Cold currents bring in _______ climates Cooler

Day time

Night time

Reality Check: How does the temperature affect the ocean’s currents?

1.Which best explains the cause of currents that move north from the equator? A Cold water at the poles rises and moves toward the tropics. B Warm water at the equator rises and moves toward the poles. C Warm water near the coastline rises and moves toward the poles. D Cold water deep in the ocean rises and moves toward the tropics.

Which best describes the movement of the Gulf Stream? 2.The Gulf Stream is a warm water current that begins in the Gulf of Mexico. A diagram of the Gulf Stream is shown below. Which best describes the movement of the Gulf Stream? A Cold currents carry cold water from the polar zones toward the equator. B Warm currents carry warm water from the tropics toward the poles. C Warm currents carry cold water from the tropics toward the poles. D Cold currents carry warm water from the polar zones toward the equator.

3.Which most likely causes the movement of warm surface ocean currents? A Sunlight heats air forming strong winds that push currents. B Low and high tides create energy for current movement. C Shifting ocean plates force water toward the poles. D Warm waters help in the melting of icebergs and glaciers.

4. Ocean currents bring deep, nutrient-rich water to the surface 4. Ocean currents bring deep, nutrient-rich water to the surface. What causes these currents to move upward? A Warm rainwater mixes with surface water, pushing deep water upward. B Cold surface water from the poles sinks, pushing deep water upward. C Wind currents cause surface water to sink, pushing deep water upward. D Surface runoff from rivers causes warm water to sink, pushing deep water upward.

Reality Check: How does the temperature affect the ocean’s currents?