DATE:
NAME:
CLASS:
BLM 14-8
CHAPTER 14
Ocean Gyres
REINFORCEMENT
Goal • Reinforce your understanding of the factors that affect ocean currents.
What to Do
current
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un t e r c u r r e n t
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re nt
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ary
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S. Equatorial
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South Equatori
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The map below shows the major surface currents in the oceans. Study this map. Then answer the questions that
follow.
B eng
ue
la
W e st
d Drift
Win
W e s t W i n d D rift
warm currents
cold currents
1. How many large gyres can you see on the map? ____________________________________________________
2. In which direction do the gyres in the Southern Hemisphere turn? ____________________________________
3. In which direction do the gyres in the Northern Hemisphere turn? ____________________________________
4. What are the two main factors that cause ocean currents to turn?
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
5. Suppose that you wanted to cross the south Pacific, but your ship had to rely on ocean currents. Describe a
route that you would take.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
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