1. Earth’s Waters Chapter 4.4 Pages 134-140
Currents & Climate
Earth’s Waters Chapter 4.4
Pages

2. Go With the Flow
Currents: a large stream of moving water that flows through the ocean
Carry water great distances
Occur at varying depths

3. Surface Currents
Surface currents affect water to a depth of several hundred meters
Driven mainly by wind
Move in circular pattern due to Coriolis Effect, caused by Earth’s rotation.

5. The Gulf Stream

6. Deep Currents
Deep Currents are caused by differences in density, not wind
Warm surface water flows to poles
Cools and sinks
Flows back towards equator.

7. Climate
Climate is the pattern of temperature and precipitation typical of an area over a long period of time
Currents affect climate by cooling / warming air above them.

8. Upwelling Upwelling is the upward movement of cold water from the deep
Caused when wind pushes warm surface water away
Deep water brings with it valuable nutrients.

9. El Nino