This learning resource is available in interactive and printable formats. The interactive worksheet can be played online and assigned to students. The Printable PDF version can be downloaded and printed for completion by hand.
Surface ocean currents are driven by wind and influenced by Earth’s rotation. They transport warm and cold water, regulate climate, and support marine ecosystems by moving nutrients and plankton.
CONTENT PREVIEW
Expand content preview
Surface ocean currents are movements of water in the upper 400 meters (1,300 feet) of the ocean. They are primarily driven by wind and influenced by the Earth’s rotation and the shape of ocean basins.
Surface currents follow predictable patterns called gyres, which are large circular loops of water. In the Northern Hemisphere, gyres rotate clockwise, while in the Southern Hemisphere, they rotate counterclockwise. These currents transport warm water from the equator toward the poles and cold water from the poles toward the equator.
One of the most well-known surface currents is the Gulf Stream, which carries warm water from the Gulf of Mexico to the North Atlantic. This current significantly affects the climate of Western Europe, making it milder than other regions at similar latitudes.
Surface currents also play a role in marine ecosystems by transporting nutrients and plankton. For example, the California Current brings cold, nutrient-rich water to the surface, supporting abundant marine life along the west coast of the United States.
Fun fact: The Kuroshio Current in the Pacific Ocean is one of the strongest surface currents, flowing at speeds of up to 4 meters per second (9 mph)!
What are surface ocean currents?
Movements of water in the deep oceanMovements of water in the upper 400 meters of the oceanThe formation of wavesThe melting of ice
What drives surface ocean currents?
Temperature and salinityWindEarth’s rotationUpwelling
What are gyres?
Large circular loops of waterDeep ocean currentsTypes of wavesUnderwater mountains
What is the Gulf Stream?
A deep ocean currentA surface current that carries warm water to the North AtlanticA type of upwellingA process that forms icebergs
What is one effect of the Gulf Stream on Western Europe?
It makes the climate colderIt makes the climate milderIt reduces rainfallIt increases temperature variations
What is one role of surface currents in marine ecosystems?
They reduce nutrient availabilityThey transport nutrients and planktonThey stop ocean circulationThey increase salinity
What is the fun fact mentioned in the passage?
The Kuroshio Current flows at speeds of up to 4 meters per secondSurface currents have no effect on climateGyres rotate counterclockwise in the Northern HemisphereThe Gulf Stream is a deep ocean current
What is the California Current known for?
Bringing warm water to the surfaceBringing cold, nutrient-rich water to the surfaceStopping plankton growthIncreasing salinity
Perfect For:
👩🏫 Teachers
• Reading comprehension practice
• Auto-graded assessments
• Literacy skill development
👨👩👧👦 Parents
• Reading practice at home
• Comprehension improvement
• Educational reading time
🏠 Homeschoolers
• Reading curriculum support
• Independent reading practice
• Progress monitoring
Reading Features:
📖
Reading Passage
Engaging fiction or nonfiction text
❓
Comprehension Quiz
Auto-graded questions
📊
Instant Feedback
Immediate results and scoring
📄
Printable Version
Download for offline reading
🔊
Read Aloud
Voice-over with word highlighting
Reviews & Ratings
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!
Related Content
The Life and Legacy of Mahatma Gandhi
RF.5.4.ARF.5.4.BW.5.2L.5.6
Mesopotamia—Informatonal Text
This informational text on Mesopotamia is a great way to practice reading comprehension. Students will read the text the...
RI.5.3RI.5.10
Pollination: A Crucial Ecosystem Service
Explore the vital role of pollination beyond plant reproduction, as it sustains ecosystems by ensuring food security, pr...
RI.4.2RI.4.3RI.4.4RI.5.1
The States of Matter: Solid
Discover the differences between solids, liquids and gases by exploring how their particles are arranged and move. This ...
RI.4.2RI.4.3RI.4.4RI.5.1
What is a Simple Machine
Discover the power of simple machines! This informational text explores how basic tools like levers, pulleys and incline...
RI.4.2RI.4.3RI.4.4RI.5.1
The Role of Pollinators in Nature
Learn about the fascinating world of pollinators and discover their crucial role in the reproductive process of flowerin...
RI.4.2RI.4.3RI.4.4RI.5.1
Seed Dispersal: How Plants Travel
Plants may seem stationary, but their seeds have amazing ways to travel! Explore the fascinating world of seed dispersal...
RI.4.2RI.4.3RI.4.4RI.5.1
Cyclones and Anticyclones: A Comparison
Cyclones are low-pressure systems that bring stormy weather, while anticyclones are high-pressure systems that bring cle...
7.RI.7.1RI.5.3RI.5.5RI.6.9
Cold Fronts and Warm Fronts: A Comparison
Cold fronts bring thunderstorms and cooler temperatures, while warm fronts bring light rain and warmer temperatures. Bot...
7.RI.7.3RI.5.3RI.5.5RI.6.9
Latitude: A Key Factor Affecting Climate
Latitude determines a region’s climate by affecting sunlight and temperature. Tropical regions near the equator are warm...
RI.5.3
Elevation: A Key Factor Affecting Climate
Elevation influences climate by causing temperatures to drop as altitude increases. High-elevation areas receive more so...
RI.5.3
Vegetation: A Key Factor Affecting Climate
Vegetation influences climate by cooling temperatures, increasing humidity, and supporting rainfall. Forests also preven...
RI.5.3
Topography of the Ocean Floor
This science passage with questions and answers on the ocean floor features diverse landscapes like continental shelves,...
RI.5.3
Composition of the Ocean
The ocean is made up of water, dissolved salts, gases, and organic matter. Its composition varies with depth and influen...
RI.5.3
Circulation in the Ocean
Ocean circulation involves the movement of seawater driven by wind, temperature, and salinity. It includes surface curre...
RI.5.3
The Great Pacific Garbage Patch
The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is a massive collection of plastic waste in the North Pacific Ocean. It harms marine lif...
RI.5.3RI.6.3RI.7.3
Surface Water Runoff
Surface water runoff replenishes rivers and lakes but can cause flooding and pollution. Solutions like rain gardens and ...
RI.5.3RI.6.3RI.7.3
Freshwater and Its Sources
Freshwater is a limited resource, with most stored in glaciers and aquifers. Rivers, lakes, and groundwater are key sour...
RI.5.3RI.6.3RI.7.3
Runoff from Precipitation
Runoff from precipitation replenishes rivers and lakes but can cause flooding and pollution. Solutions like rain gardens...