Ocean Currents: The Driving Force of Earth's Weather & Climate

Discover how ocean currents shape Earth's weather and climate! Learn about surface and deep currents.

Ocean Currents: What Drive the Motion of the Earth's Waters This worksheet will review the three major types of ocean currents, how they move, and how they affect climate.The two types of Ocean Currents that drive the motion of the Earth's Waters are: I. Surface Currents: Primarily driven by wind and tides (coastal currents) II. Deep Ocean Currents: Driven by heat and salt water densityThis worksheet will also review: III. Deep Ocean Currents and Climate Change I. Surface Currents: How they are formed Watch the video below and answer the questions below. How does wind affect surface currents of water? Friction between the wind and the surface water causes the water to move. Other than wind, what are two other factors that affect surface currents? The Coriolis Effect & the topography of the ocean floor (the underwater hills & valleys). Surface Currents are also affected by The Coriolis Effect and the topography of the ocean floor. Based on the information in the video, sort the cards below based on whether they refer to The Coriolis Effect or the topography of the ocean floor. The Coriolis Effect Caused by the Earth's Rotation The wind is deflected to the right in the Northern Hemisphere The wind is deflected to the left in the Southern Hemisphere Topography of Ocean Floor Mountains on the ocean floor cause deep sea currents to change directions II. Deep Ocean Currents: Thermohaline Circulation and The Great Conveyor Belt Watch the Animation below.Then, answer the questions below. What effect does temperature have on the movement of deep ocean currents? Cold water rises; Warm water rises Warm water sits on top of cold water Warm water rises; Cold water sinks What effect does salinity have on the movement of deep ocean currents? Salty water is more dense and sinks Freshwater is more dense and tends to rise Salty water is more dense and rises Completethe shortparagraphs about Deep Ocean Currents.(Hint:Use the Animation above to help) The Thermohaline Circulator is also known as The Global Conveyor Belt. As water moves from the depths of the ocean to the surface, it brings nutrient-rich water with it. III. Ocean Currents and Climate Change Watch this video and then answer the question below. How would the increase in global temperatures affect The Gulf Stream? The Gulf Stream would slow down The warmer water would stop sinking Both A and B How would the weakening of ocean currents be a negative impact for the North Atlantic? Longer winters and sparse (little to no) vegetation We would need 1 million nuclear power plants Both A and B