Ocean Currents Quiz

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| By AmyDavis
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Quizzes Created: 2 | Total Attempts: 7,509
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Ocean Currents Quiz - Quiz

Ocean currents are basically the seasonal directions of the sea and ocean waters. Most of the times they are caused by winds on the oceans. The quiz below puts your knowledge on ocean currents on the beam. All the best.


Questions and Answers
  • 1. 

    How do deep ocean currents form?

    • A.

      As warm, dense water sinks and flows beneath cold ocean water.

    • B.

      As cold, dense water sinks and flows beneath warm ocean water.

    • C.

      As warm, dense water sinks and flows with other warm ocean water.

    Correct Answer
    B. As cold, dense water sinks and flows beneath warm ocean water.
    Explanation
    Deep ocean currents form when cold, dense water sinks and flows beneath warm ocean water. This is because cold water is denser than warm water, causing it to sink. As it sinks, it displaces the warmer water above it, creating a flow or current. This process is known as thermohaline circulation and plays a crucial role in regulating Earth's climate by transporting heat and nutrients around the globe.

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  • 2. 

    What is the movement of polar water a result of?

    • A.

      Differences in density.

    • B.

      Differences in temperature.

    • C.

      Differences in salinity.

    Correct Answer
    A. Differences in density.
    Explanation
    The movement of polar water is a result of differences in density. Density is affected by factors such as temperature and salinity. In polar regions, the water is typically colder and saltier, which increases its density. This dense water sinks and moves towards lower latitudes, while less dense water from lower latitudes moves towards the poles. This movement, known as thermohaline circulation, plays a crucial role in global ocean currents and climate patterns.

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  • 3. 

    Which of these is a factor of surface currents?

    • A.

      Deep ocean currents.

    • B.

      Air pollution.

    • C.

      Earth's rotation.

    Correct Answer
    C. Earth's rotation.
    Explanation
    Surface currents are the horizontal movements of ocean water that occur at or near the ocean's surface. These currents are primarily driven by the Earth's rotation. As the Earth rotates, it creates a force known as the Coriolis effect, which causes the moving air and water to be deflected to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere. This deflection results in the formation of surface currents. Therefore, Earth's rotation is a factor that influences the direction and movement of surface currents.

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  • 4. 

    What kind of energy is passed in wind?

    • A.

      Potential energy.

    • B.

      Kinetic energy.

    Correct Answer
    B. Kinetic energy.
    Explanation
    Wind is the movement of air particles, and this movement is what carries the energy. Kinetic energy is the energy of motion, so it makes sense that wind energy is classified as kinetic energy. As the air particles move, they possess kinetic energy, which can be harnessed and converted into other forms of energy such as electricity. Therefore, the correct answer is kinetic energy.

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  • 5. 

    What is the apparent curving of the path of oceans and winds due to Earths rotation?

    • A.

      A gyre.

    • B.

      The Coriolis effect.

    Correct Answer
    B. The Coriolis effect.
    Explanation
    The apparent curving of the path of oceans and winds due to Earth's rotation is known as the Coriolis effect. This phenomenon occurs because as the Earth rotates, objects moving freely over its surface are subject to an apparent deflection to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere. This deflection is caused by the difference in rotational speed between different latitudes. The Coriolis effect plays a significant role in shaping global wind patterns and ocean currents, contributing to the formation of gyres, which are large circular ocean currents.

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  • 6. 

    Wind does not affect surface currents.

    • A.

      True

    • B.

      False

    Correct Answer
    B. False
    Explanation
    Wind does affect surface currents. Surface currents are primarily driven by the wind. The wind creates friction with the surface of the water, causing the water to move in the same direction as the wind. This movement of water creates surface currents. The strength and direction of the wind directly influence the speed and direction of the surface currents. Therefore, the statement that wind does not affect surface currents is incorrect.

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Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.

  • Current Version
  • Mar 21, 2023
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • May 05, 2011
    Quiz Created by
    AmyDavis
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