Ocean Currents and Climate · Ocean Currents and Climate 6.ESS2.3 Construct an explanation for how...
Transcript of Ocean Currents and Climate · Ocean Currents and Climate 6.ESS2.3 Construct an explanation for how...
Ocean Currents and Climate
6.ESS2.3 Construct an explanation for
how atmospheric flow, geographic features, and ocean
currents affect regions.
Ocean water contains streamlike movements of
water called ocean currents. Currents are influenced by a number of factors, including weather, the Earth's rotation,
and the position of the continents.
Surface Currents:Horizontal, streamlike
movements of water that occur at or near the
surface of the ocean are called surface currents
Surface Currents:Surface currents are controlled by three
factors which keep surface currents flowing in
distinct patterns around the Earth.
Surface Currents:1. Global Winds - winds
that blow across the Earth's surface to create surface currents in the
ocean.
Surface Currents:Different winds cause
currents to flow in differentdirections. Near the equator, the winds blow ocean water
east to west, but closer to the poles, ocean water is blown
west to east.
Surface Currents:2. Coriolis Effect - The Earth's rotation causes
wind and surface currents to move in curved paths rather than in straight
lines..
Surface Currents:The Coriolis Effect causes
surface currents in the Northern Hemisphere to turn clockwise, and surface currents in the Southern Hemisphere
to turn counterclockwise.
Surface Currents:3. Continental deflections -When surface currents meet
continents, the currents deflect, or change direction.
Surface Currents and Climate
Surface currents greatly affect the climate in many parts of
the world. Some surface currents warm or cool coastal
areas year-round.
Surface Currents and Climate
Surface currents are affected by the
temperature of the water in which they form.
Surface Currents and Climate
1. Warm-water currents begin near the equator
and carry warm water to other parts of the ocean.
Surface Currents and Climate
2. Cold-water currents begin closer to the poles and carry cool water to
other parts of the ocean.
Deep Currents:Streamlike movements of
ocean water located far below the surface are called
deep currents. Deep currents are not directly
controlled by wind.
Deep Currents:Decreasing the temperature
of ocean water and increasing the water's
salinity increase the water's density.