Convection Currents in the Ocean — Passage
Convection currents in the ocean are movements of water driven by differences in temperature and density. These currents play a key role in distributing heat and nutrients throughout the ocean.
Convection currents occur when warm water rises and cold water sinks. For example, near the equator, sunlight heats the surface water, making it less dense and causing it to rise. As this warm water moves toward the poles, it cools, becomes denser, and sinks. This process creates a continuous cycle of rising and sinking water.
Convection currents are part of the thermohaline circulation, which is driven by both temperature (thermo) and salinity (haline). In regions where water becomes very salty, such as the North Atlantic, it becomes denser and sinks, driving deep ocean currents.
These currents help regulate the Earth’s climate by transporting warm water from the equator to the poles and cold water from the poles to the equator. They also support marine life by bringing nutrients from the deep ocean to the surface through upwelling.
Fun fact: The Gulf Stream, a powerful convection current, transports warm water from the Gulf of Mexico to the North Atlantic, making Western Europe’s climate milder than other regions at similar latitudes.
What are convection currents in the ocean?
Movements of air over the oceanMovements of water driven by temperature and density differencesThe formation of wavesThe melting of iceWhat happens to warm water in convection currents?
It sinksIt risesIt becomes denserIt freezesWhat is the thermohaline circulation?
A surface current driven by windA deep ocean current driven by temperature and salinityA type of waveA process that forms icebergsWhat is one role of convection currents in the ocean?
They reduce oxygen levelsThey distribute heat and nutrientsThey stop plankton growthThey increase salinityWhat is upwelling?
The sinking of cold, dense waterThe rising of nutrient-rich deep water to the surfaceThe formation of wavesThe melting of iceWhat is the Gulf Stream?
A type of waveA powerful convection currentA deep ocean trenchA type of planktonWhat is the fun fact mentioned in the passage?
The Gulf Stream makes Western Europe’s climate milderConvection currents have no effect on climateWarm water sinks in convection currentsUpwelling stops plankton growthWhat is one effect of convection currents on marine life?
They reduce nutrient availabilityThey bring nutrients to the surfaceThey stop ocean circulationThey increase salinityCommon core standards covered
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