Ocean Currents Trivia Quiz Questions!

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  • 1/10 Questions

    Water by the polar regions is fed by an influx of what water source?

    • Freshwater lakes
    • Melting glaciers
    • Freshwater rivers
    • None of the above
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About This Quiz

This quiz will review the major concepts involving ocean circulation. This is information we have previously learned, so let's see how you do!

Ocean Currents Trivia Quiz Questions! - Quiz

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  • 2. 

    Ocean currents are drive by:

    • Wind energy

    • Gravity

    • Salinity differences

    • None of the above

    Correct Answer
    A. Wind energy
    Explanation
    Ocean currents are driven by wind energy. Wind creates friction on the surface of the ocean, transferring its energy to the water. This energy then causes the water to move in the direction of the wind, forming currents. The strength and direction of the wind determine the speed and direction of the currents. Therefore, wind energy is the primary driving force behind the movement of ocean currents. Gravity and salinity differences do play a role in ocean circulation, but they are not the main drivers of ocean currents.

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  • 3. 

    Why do the waters by the equator flow up to the polar regions?

    • Equatorial waters are a colder temperature.

    • Equatorial waters are more dense.

    • Equatorial waters are less dense and warmer.

    • Equatorial waters do not flow up to the polar regions.

    Correct Answer
    A. Equatorial waters are less dense and warmer.
    Explanation
    Equatorial waters flow up to the polar regions because they are less dense and warmer. Density plays a crucial role in the movement of water. Less dense water tends to rise while denser water sinks. The equatorial waters, being less dense, rise and flow towards the polar regions. Additionally, the warmth of the equatorial waters also contributes to their upward movement as warmer water expands and becomes less dense. This combination of lower density and higher temperature causes the equatorial waters to flow towards the polar regions.

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  • 4. 

    The Gulf Stream Current travels from the Gulf of Mexico to what location?

    • North Atlantic Ocean waters

    • South Atlantic Ocean waters

    • Pacific Ocean waters

    • Indian Ocean waters

    Correct Answer
    A. North Atlantic Ocean waters
    Explanation
    The Gulf Stream Current travels from the Gulf of Mexico to the North Atlantic Ocean waters. This warm ocean current originates in the Gulf of Mexico and flows along the eastern coast of the United States before crossing the Atlantic Ocean towards Europe. It is an important current that influences the climate and weather patterns in the region, and it also plays a role in the transportation of heat and nutrients.

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  • 5. 

    The increased amount of salt near the equator is a result of what process?

    • Precipitation

    • Melting glaciers

    • Evaporation

    • Chemosynthesis

    Correct Answer
    A. Evaporation
    Explanation
    Evaporation is the process by which water is transformed from liquid to vapor. Near the equator, higher temperatures lead to increased rates of evaporation in ocean water. As water evaporates, it leaves the salts behind, resulting in higher salinity levels in the remaining seawater. This phenomenon explains why regions around the equator typically have higher salinity compared to other parts of the ocean.

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  • 6. 

    Water by the equator is __________ and more ___________ than water by the polar regions.

    • Cooler; dense

    • Cooler; saline

    • Warmer; dense

    • Warmer; saline

    Correct Answer
    A. Warmer; saline
    Explanation
    Water by the equator is warmer than water by the polar regions due to the higher amount of solar radiation received at the equator. Additionally, water by the equator is more saline or salty than water by the polar regions due to the higher evaporation rates and lower precipitation rates in the equatorial regions.

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  • 7. 

    The Labrador Current travels from Northern Greenland to what location?

    • Alaska

    • East Coast of United States

    • Europe

    • Africa

    Correct Answer
    A. East Coast of United States
    Explanation
    The Labrador Current travels from Northern Greenland to the East Coast of the United States. This current is a cold ocean current that flows southward along the coast of Labrador and Newfoundland, carrying cold water from the Arctic region. It eventually merges with the Gulf Stream off the coast of North Carolina, influencing the climate and marine life along the East Coast of the United States.

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  • 8. 

    Complete the following analogy:Wind:Ocean Currents as _________:__________

    • Heat:Growth

    • Reefs:Erosion

    • Sunlight:Photosynthesis

    • Energy:Light

    Correct Answer
    A. Sunlight:Photosynthesis
    Explanation
    The analogy compares the relationship between wind and ocean currents to the relationship between sunlight and photosynthesis. Just as wind drives the movement of ocean currents, sunlight is the driving force behind photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert sunlight into energy, similar to how ocean currents are generated by the movement of wind.

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  • 9. 

    Which of the following current(s) is a warm water current?

    • Brazil current

    • West Australian current

    • North Atlantic current

    • Both A and C

    • None of the above

    Correct Answer
    A. Both A and C
    Explanation
    Both the Brazil current and the North Atlantic current are warm water currents. The Brazil current is a warm water current that flows along the eastern coast of South America, while the North Atlantic current is a warm water current that flows from the Gulf of Mexico towards Europe. Therefore, the correct answer is Both A and C.

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  • 10. 

    What type of winds drive the Gulf Stream current?

    • The easterlies

    • Southeast trade winds

    • The westerlies

    • Doldrums

    Correct Answer
    A. The westerlies
    Explanation
    The Gulf Stream current is primarily driven by the westerlies. The westerlies are prevailing winds that blow from west to east in the middle latitudes. These winds are responsible for the movement of ocean currents, including the Gulf Stream. The westerlies are caused by the Earth's rotation and the temperature differences between the equator and the poles. They play a crucial role in shaping global weather patterns and ocean circulation.

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  • Current Version
  • Mar 21, 2025
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Mar 30, 2010
    Quiz Created by
    Wames
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