Ocean water moves in currents

What causes ocean currents?How do ocean currents

distribute heat around the globe and interact with

climate and weather?

Ocean Currents

Surface currents are caused by strong winds blowing over the ocean.They extend 300-500 feet downCover large areas of oceanThey curve with the rotation of

Earth (coriolis effect.mp4)They carry warm water away from

equator and cool water away from the poles

They affect Earth’s temperatures

Pacific Gyre Pollution Clip

Pacific Garbage Dump- Nightline.mp4

Deep Currents are caused by differences in the density of the water.

Downwelling is water movement from the surface down.

This movement carries oxygen from the surface to animals deeper in the ocean.

Salinity and temperature

UpwellingUpwelling

moves water down deep up to the surface.

This movement brings up nutrients to the animals at the surface

Climate and WeatherCurrents help distribute heat

around the globe by moving warm and cold water around.

The moving water changes the temperature of the air above it.

Beware of El Nino!What is El Nino.mp4

Answer the following:What causes ocean currents?

How do ocean currents distribute heat around the globe and interact with climate and weather?