ocean currents

Question 1

define ocean currents

Answer 1

large masses of water that constantly move in the top 100m to 200m of the world’s oceans. some ocean currents flow at a speed of 10km per hour.

Question 2

causes of ocean currents

Answer 2

winds
differences in water temperature
rotation of earth

Question 3

winds move water

Answer 3

winds move water on the surface of the oceans. this causes water to move from another part of the ocean to take its place.

Question 4

flow of water from the equator and poles

Answer 4

water that flows from the equator is warmer than water that flows from the north or south poles. the shape of earth and its position in space mean that there is more solar radiation in the area close to the equator than anywhere else on earth

Question 5

air over cold ocean currents

Answer 5

air over cold ocean currents is cooled by the contact with cold water. cooling causes the air to lose its moisture as rain. areas next to cold ocean currents tend to have cool, dry climates.

Question 6

air over warm ocean currents

Answer 6

air over warm ocean currents is warmed by contact with the warm water. the air absorbs moisture from the oceans. when this air cools it releases the moisture as rain. places next to warm ocean currents often have warm temperatures and high rainfall.

Question 7

agulhas current flow

Answer 7

brings warm water from the equatorial areas of the indian ocean to the east coast of south africa. the warm water wams the air above it. winds that blow over the warm agulhas current absorb moisture. warm air can hold more moisture than cold air.
Durban

Question 8

benguela current flow

Answer 8

brings cold water from the southern ocean to the west coast of southern africa. air above the benguela current is cooled by the cold water. when air is cooled it releases moisture as rain.
Port Nolloth

Question 9

fog

Answer 9

condensed water vapor or ice crystals that can be seen in the air.