Save
Busy. Please wait.
Log in with Clever
or
show password
Forgot Password?
Don't have an account?  Sign up 
Sign up using Clever
or
Username is available taken
show password


Make sure to remember your password. If you forget it there is no way for StudyStack to send you a reset link. You would need to create a new account. Your email address is only used to allow you to reset your password. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.

Already a StudyStack user? Log In

Reset Password
Enter the associated with your account, and we'll email you a link to reset your password.
focusNode
Didn't know it?
click below
 
Knew it?
click below
Don't Know
Remaining cards (0)
Know
0:00
edit
Embed Code - If you would like this activity on your web page, copy the script below and paste it into your web page.

  Normal Size     Small Size show me how

Ocean Currents

What ocean currents are and how they work

QuestionAnswer
What are ocean currents? Ocean currents are large streams of water flowing in a certain path.
What influences the formation and moving of ocean currents? Earth's global wind belts (ex. Trade Winds) influence the formation and moving of ocean currents. For instance, Trade Winds move warm water toward North and South America.
Why do gyres move in different directions in both hemispheres? Gyres move in different directions in both hemispheres because of the Coriolis Effect. They move clockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and counterclockwise in the Southern Hemisphere.
What is upwelling? Upwelling is the vertical movement of water toward the ocean's surface. It occurs when wind blows water away from an area and deeper, colder water is forced to the surface.
What are density currents? A density current is a current that is caused by changes in density. A surface current reaches a polar area and the water cools. As the water freezes, salt is left behind. The surface water becomes very dense and sinks. Upwelling brings the water back up.
Why is the East Coast of the U.S. affected more than the West Coast? The East Coast is affected more because the Gulf Stream releases lots of heat and moisture into the air. As a result, it is humid and can rain. The California Current releases less heat and moisture, so it is drier along the West Coast.
What is the Great Ocean Conveyor Belt? The Great Ocean Conveyor Belt is a large system of currents that affects weather and climate. It takes about 1,000 years to complete, and density currents in the North Atlantic and Southern Ocean "drive" the conveyor belt.
Why do gyres move in circles? Gyres move in circles because when the currents That are driven by wind and gravity hit a continent, they are forced to turn around and go a different way.
Created by: shwetanknsingh
Popular Earth Science sets

 

 



Voices

Use these flashcards to help memorize information. Look at the large card and try to recall what is on the other side. Then click the card to flip it. If you knew the answer, click the green Know box. Otherwise, click the red Don't know box.

When you've placed seven or more cards in the Don't know box, click "retry" to try those cards again.

If you've accidentally put the card in the wrong box, just click on the card to take it out of the box.

You can also use your keyboard to move the cards as follows:

If you are logged in to your account, this website will remember which cards you know and don't know so that they are in the same box the next time you log in.

When you need a break, try one of the other activities listed below the flashcards like Matching, Snowman, or Hungry Bug. Although it may feel like you're playing a game, your brain is still making more connections with the information to help you out.

To see how well you know the information, try the Quiz or Test activity.

Pass complete!
"Know" box contains:
Time elapsed:
Retries:
restart all cards