ocean currents and circulation

Question 1

what are ocean currents generated by?

Answer 1

• the wind
• thermohaline circulation

Question 2

what is a thermohaline circulation?

Answer 2

the sea currents are driven by density differences of the water caused by temperature and salinity differences

Question 3

in the thermohaline current circulation what is the important rule about cold water?

Answer 3

cold water has a higher density than warm water so sinks to the bottom

Question 4

in the thermohaline current circulation what is the important rule about salt water?

Answer 4

salt water has a higher density than freshwater so sinks to the bottom

Question 5

what is the process of the ocean conveyer belt?

Answer 5

1. sea water warms up at equator
2. flows to north pole
3. along the way the ocean current emits lots of heat which warms the atmosphere itself but also cools the water
4. lots of water evaporates on the way leaving behind a higher concentration of salt in the water
5. seawater freezes and forms ice the salt remains
6. therefore the density of the water is increasing
7. water sinks forming deep water causing the formation of the oceanic circulation/ ocean conveyer belt

Question 6

what does oceanic circulation have a major impact on in coastal areas?

Answer 6

• temperature
• precipitation

Question 7

what are the range of sources ocean currents are driven by?

Answer 7

• wind
• tides
• changes in water density
• rotation of earth

Question 8

what is the definition of ocean currents?

Answer 8

the vertical and horizontal movement of both surface and deep water

Question 9

what is the ocean conveyor belt? (definition)

Answer 9

a constantly moving system of deep ocean circulation driven by temperature and salinity