currents Flashcards
1
Q
what are currents?
A
the permanent or seasonal movement of surface water in the seas
2
Q
what are the types of currents?
A
longshore drift
rip currents
upwellings
3
Q
what is longshore drift?
A
when waves approach the coast at an angle creating a flow of water that runs parallel to the coastline
4
Q
how does longshore drift affect a coastline?
A
transports material parellel to the coastline
5
Q
what are rip currents?
A
strong currents moving away from the shoreline
develop when water is piled up along the coastline so are pushed back out to sea
6
Q
what are upwellings?
A
moment of cold water from the deep ocean towards the surface
