The Movement Of Ocean Water

Question 1

What was Heyerdahl’s theory

Answer 1

Theory: That the inhabitants of Polynesia originally sailed from Peru on rafts powered by only the wind and ovean currents

Question 2

How did Heyerdahl prove his theory (though it was false)

Answer 2

1947
•Heyerdahl + 5 man crew set sail from Peru on a raft- Kon-Tiki.

•landed in Polynesia on the 97th day of the expedition

Question 3

Surface current

Answer 3

A horizontal movement of ocean water that is caused by wind and that occurs at or near the ocean’s surface

Question 4

Coriolis Effect

Answer 4

The apparent curving of the path of a moving object from an otherwise straight path due to the Earth’s rotation

Question 5

What causes currents to move in curved paths instead of straight lines

Answer 5

Coriolis effect

Question 6

What 3 factors control surface currents

Answer 6

Global winds. Coriolis effect. Continental deflections

Question 7

Deep current

Answer 7

A streamlike movement of a ocean water far below the surface

Question 8

All three factors-Global winds. Coriolis effect. Continental deflections- work together to do what

Answer 8

To form a pattern of surface currents on Earth which are also affected by the temps. in which they form

Question 9

When warm water currents begin near the equator what happens?

Answer 9

They carry warm water to orher parts of the ocean

Question 10

When cold water currents begin closer to the poles and do what?

Answer 10

Carry cool water to other parts of the ocean

Question 11

Unlike surface currents, deep currents are not directly controlled by wind. What are they formed/ controlled by?

Answer 11

They form in parts of the ocean where water density increases

Question 12

Density

Answer 12

The amount of matter that is in a given space or volume

Question 13

How is the ocean’s density controlled?

Answer 13

By temperature and salinity

• both decreasing the temperature of ocean water and increasing the water’s salinity increase the water’s density

Question 14

Salinity

Answer 14

A measure of the amount of dissolved salts or solids in a liquid

Question 15

Deep current

Answer 15

A stream like movement of ocean water far below the surface

Question 16

What do warm and cold water currents have to do with the weather?

Answer 16

Well the Gulf Stream is coming north from the equator. This warm water current travels up the side of America,!then to Canada and soon to the British Isles that are at a much higher latitude
warm weather where the warn water stream takes it•••••cold weather where the cold water stream takes it•••••

Question 17

How do deep currents form

Answer 17

Polar regions cold air chills and slows down the ocean water molecules. The volume decreases>so it becomes denser. The water then sinks, traveling towards the equator as a deep current along the ocean floor.

If while chilling the water freezes at the surface, ice will float on top of the water because it is less dense than the water. Dissolved solids are squeezed out of the ice to go into the water. This increases the salinity and the density if the water.

Evaporation of surface water. This removes the fresh water snd leaves the salt and other solids behind. The density then increases. Increasing salinity through freezing or evaporation to become denser, to sink to the ocean floor, and to form a deep current. Usually in commonly warm climates.

Question 18

Ocean currents

Answer 18

A movement of ocean water that follows a regular pattern