Ocean Currents and Tides
At one beach, high tide occurs at 8 a.m. When will the next high tide most likely occur?
8 p.m.
moon's gravity affects:
Both the solid parts of the earth and the oceans.
Which term best describes the rise and fall of the ocean's water level?
Ceaseless
Which word describes the speed at which the "global conveyor belt" moves?
Gradual
Which of the following is a true statement about gravity?
It acts on all matter in the universe.
What effect does the earth's rotation have on surface currents?
It causes clockwise motion in the northern hemisphere, and counterclockwise in the southern hemisphere.
Which of the following is a true statement about tidal energy?
It causes very little pollution.
How does warm water at the surface of the ocean become colder?
It radiates heat into the atmosphere.
Where might you find a gyre?
Moving in a circle in the South Atlantic Ocean, between South America and Africa
High tides occur:
On the side of the earth facing the moon, and also the opposite side.
Surface currents are mainly caused by prevailing winds. What is the best synonym for "prevailing?"
Permanent
What is one effect of the Gulf Stream?
Summers in Spain are hotter than summers in Maine.
In the movie, Tim and Moby's raft is probably being moved by:
Surface Currents
What can you infer about the water at the surface of the ocean, compared to the water hundreds of meters below?
Surface water tends to be warmer.
What is the relationship between the Gulf Stream and the global conveyor belt?
The Gulf Stream is one segment of the global conveyor belt.
If the sun is bigger than the moon, why does the moon have a greater effect on tides?
The moon is much closer than the sun.
What might happen if the moon were only half as large as it is now?
The ocean level would fall and rise less dramatically.
What might happen on a beach as the tide goes out?
There will be more sand for beach-goers to sunbathe on
The moon's orbital speed around the earth doubles. What effect will it have on the number of high tides experienced in any given area?
They will occur about as often as before.
Hawaii's climate is moderated by:
cold water from the Arctic.
