Currents

Learning Target 7 - I am able to explain how the warming

of the oceans by the sun, landforms, and differences in
salinity cause the movement of ocean water around
earth.

Currents
Ocean currents are stream-like movements of water within the
ocean.

What causes ocean currents?

Global Winds Winds create surface currents.
Coriolis Effect The rotation of the Earth causes surface
currents to move in a curved path.
Continental Deflections Continents cause the currents to
change direction.
Differences in Water Density Water density differences
create deep ocean currents. Water density can differ
because of temperature or salinity.
Differences in Temperature Warmer water is less dense, it will
rise and travel on top of cooler, more dense water.
Salinity Salinity is the measure of the dissolved salts or solids in a
liquid. The higher the salinity of the water the higher the waters
density.