Review
6.3.c, 6.4.a,
6.4.d
9 Making Inferences Explain why the Coriolis
effect is important in the movement of both
wind and ocean currents.
0 Identifying Relationships Explain one way in
Summary
currents form as wind transfers energy
• Surface
to ocean water.
currents are controlled by three factors:
• Surface
global winds, the Coriolis effect, and continental
which ocean currents might change if the polar
regions of Earth become warmer.
INTERPRETING GRAPHICS Use the diagram of
a convection current in the ocean below to answer
the next two questions.
A
B
deflections.
currents form where the density of ocean
• Deep
water increases. Water density depends on
temperature and salinity.
currents and deep currents combine to
• Surface
form convection currents that transfer energy.
global circulation moves water through
• Earth’s
all oceans and distributes materials and heat.
q Making Inferences What might be happening
1 Write an original definition for surface current,
deep current, and convection current.
at point B to keep this convection current
flowing?
w Analyzing Processes Explain ways in which
heat could be transferred by this convection
current.
2 Describing Explain ways in which energy from
the sun influences surface currents.
3 Listing List three factors that control surface
currents, and tell how each factor is important.
4 Describing Describe how temperature and
salinity affect the formation of deep currents.
5 Analyzing How do convection currents
e Making Calculations The average speed of
surface currents is about 20 cm/s. The Gulf
Stream flows as fast as 2 m/s. What is the difference in speed between the Gulf Stream and
an average surface current?
distribute heat in the oceans?
6 Summarizing Explain how oxygen and
nutrients are transported by ocean currents.
7 Evaluating Conclusions If there were no land
on Earth’s surface, what would the pattern of
surface currents look like? Explain your answer.
8 Making Comparisons Compare the factors
that cause the formation of surface currents
and the factors that cause the formation of
deep currents.
r Identifying Relationships You have learned
how ocean water can become more dense.
Describe two ways in which ocean water can
become less dense. Explain how the density
change would take place in each case.
Internet Resources
For a variety of links related to this
chapter, go to www.scilinks.org
Topic: Ocean Currents
SciLinks code: HY71061
443