Here are the answers to the questions on the worksheet about Ocean Currents.
1. What kind of current occurs when warm dense seawater moves toward less dense seawater?
This describes a
density current. These currents happen because water with different amounts of salt (salinity) and different temperatures has different weights (densities). The heavier, denser water sinks and flows underneath the lighter, less dense water.
2. What is the name of the current that flows southerly along the west coast of the United States? In which ocean does it occur?
The current is called the
California Current. It occurs in the
Pacific Ocean.
3. In what direction do cold currents generally flow in the northern hemisphere?
In the Northern Hemisphere, cold currents generally flow from the North Pole towards the Equator. On a map, this looks like they are flowing
south or
clockwise around the edges of the ocean basins.
4. If a raft drifted off the Gulf Stream, beginning in Florida, where might it reach land?
The Gulf Stream flows north up the east coast of the US and then turns east across the Atlantic Ocean. A raft caught in this current would likely drift across the ocean and reach land in
Western Europe (for example, the British Isles, France, or Spain) or possibly
Northwest Africa.
5. Using the diagram of the World Map, how were residents from the islands at other parts of what now called Hawaii able to get to other Pacific islands?
Residents used the
ocean currents and prevailing winds to travel. By understanding the patterns shown on the map (like the North Equatorial Current), they could sail their canoes with the flow of the water to reach other islands efficiently.
6. Seeing the diagram of the Coriolis effect, what is the general direction of surface currents in the South Pacific Ocean?
Due to the Coriolis effect, surface currents in the Southern Hemisphere curve to the left. This creates a large circular system called a gyre that moves in a
counter-clockwise direction.
Final Answer:
1. Density current
2. California Current; Pacific Ocean
3. South (or clockwise)
4. Western Europe or Northwest Africa
5. They traveled by using the ocean currents.
6. Counter-clockwise
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of ocean current worksheet.
