Worksheet: Ocean Currents
name:
1. What is the primary driving force for surface ocean currents?
2. Look at the map on page 349. What do the blue arrows represent?
3. Compare the map on page 349 to the top one on page 452, which shows prevailing winds in
January. Is there a correlation? Explain why, or why not.
4. Based on the map on page 349, how does the Coriolis Effect influence the direction of surface
currents in the N. Hemisphere?
5. Are winds in the Southern Hemisphere curving to the right, or are they curving to the left?
6. Which ocean current flows unobstructed by land?
7. Explain what the Sargasso Sea is.
8. Explain what “upwelling” is, and tell what causes it.
9. During August, the waters off the coast of central California are colder (60 F) than those off the
coast of the Carolinas (70+ F). Explain why.
10. Explain the connection between upwelling and good fishing.
11. What drives deep ocean circulation? In other words why are there deep ocean currents?
12. Why is deep ocean circulation called “thermohaline” circulation?
13. Why does surface water near the poles get heavier (more dense) as it gets colder?
14. What would cause surface water near the poles to get saltier?
15. How does surface water in hot, dry places get saltier?
16. What effect does this increased salinity have on the density of the water?
16. What happens to surface water as it gets colder and/or saltier?
17. Explain how the “conveyor belt” shown on page 352 helps Earth maintain a heat balance.