Currents

Question 1

Overview

Answer 1

Permanent or seasonal movement of surface water in seas and oceans.
Can be caused by wind or variations in water temp or salinity

Question 2

Longshore currents (littoral drift)

Answer 2

Created due to waves approaching shore at an angle swash up and recede directly as backwash
Generates flow of water parallel to shoreline

Question 3

Longshore currents

Answer 3

When a wave break at an auto angle the current increases in velocity

Longshore currents van capture and transport beach sediment back out to sea

Question 4

Rip currents

Answer 4

Strong, localised underwater currents moving away from shoreline, carrying suspended load

Question 4

Rip currents

Answer 4

Strong, localised underwater currents moving away from shoreline, carrying suspended load

Question 5

Rip currents formation

Answer 5

1. underwater sander formed by incoming waves
2. Waves push more water in between sandbar causing build up of water at top of beach
3. Section of sandbar collapses and water rushes back towards open water through gap
4. Water passes through and strength weakens

Question 6

Rip current features

Answer 6

Less than 80ft wide
Currents dangerous and strong can easily drown people
Speeds can reach up to 5mph

Question 7

Upwelling

Answer 7

Movement of cold water from deep in ocean towards surface

Dense cold water replaces warmer water and creates nutrient rich cold ocean currents