Ocean Circulation

Ocean Water is constantly in motion. Driven by waves and currents, water moves around the globe like a giant conveyor belt. However, how does this actually occur, and why is understanding ocean circulation so vital to human society? You will explore the answers to these questions on this quest.

You are an oceanographer tasked with sailing around the world to make uncharted discoveries about our world's ocean. Climate change is on the rise... and a secret may be imbedded in how the ocean circulates its water. Before you embark, you are tasked with doing some research to make your journey a bit easier.

Your mission for this assignment is to conduct research on the process of ocean circulation, and explore the implications it may have on climate.  

Check out the following links. Read each question carefully, and write answers in complete sentences on a separate sheet of paper.

NOTE: Make sure to include your name and period at the upper right hand corner, and title this assignment "Ocean Circulation Web Quest."

This is worth (5 points), and it is due tomorrow 4/24 at the beginning of class.

http://www.noaa.gov/resource-collections/ocean-currents

1) What are ocean currents?

2) What are the three primary factors that drive ocean currents?

3) Why are currents deflected to the right in the Northern Hemisphere? Why does this phenomena occur?

This link may help:

https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/education/kits/currents/05currents1.html

4) What is the ultimate energy source that fuels surface currents?

Check this link out about the Gulf Stream:

https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/gulfstreamspeed.html

5) How much water does the gulf stream transport every second?

6) Imagine you are a water droplet in the Carribean. Describe your journey on the gulf stream as you travel across the globe.

7) What is the global conveyor belt? What is the driving mechanism for this thermohaline circulation?

8) What is Upwelling? How does upwelling support healthy ocean ecosystems?