Use the diagram of the ocean currents to answer the questions. Warm currents are red, cold currents are blue.
a) How does the direction of the currents in the Northern Hemisphere differ from those in the Southern Hemisphere? Why does this occur?
b) How do the warm ocean currents generally flow in relation to the Equator? How do the cold currents generally flow in relation to the Equator?
c) How would you expect the ocean nutrient levels in the ocean water off the west coast of California and Mexico to compare the nutrient levels off the east coast of the United States? Why?
d) Many ocean animals like whales and sea turtles migrate north from the Caribbean Sea in the summer to feed. On which ocean current do they travel? What do these animals do while in the Caribbean Sea?
e) What is the driving force of the North Equatorial Current in the Atlantic Ocean? What causes this driving force?
f) How are ocean currents and atmospheric currents similar? Where does the energy that drives them ultimately originate?
2. For each of the ocean water changes listed below, indicate whether the water will sink or rise.
Ocean water that increases in salinity
Ocean water that increases in temperature
Ocean water that turns to ice
Ocean water that is diluted with fresh river water
Ocean water that is left behind after heat is removed by evaporation
