Which moves faster, the Global Conveyor Belt, or Surface Currents?
surface currents
How are deep currents generated in polar regions?
Dense water sinks to ocean floor, more water moves in to replace it, and a current forms. This repeats as new water gets cold and sinks.
What is thermohaline circulation?
Water movements drive by differences in density.
What drives the global conveyor belt?
density differences in the water
How could a change in salinity affect the global conveyor belt?
It could stop the global conveyor belt. Warmer, less dense water won't be dense enough to sink.
What is upwelling?
When wind pushes surface water away from the coastline and colder water comes up from the deep to replace it.
Name the organism at the base of the ocean's food chain.
phytoplankton
Name two areas (continents) where a major upwelling hotspot is found.
North America, South America, Northern and Southern Africa
Name two factors that affect water density.
temperature and salinity
How do gyres affect climate?
Gyres transfer heat to the air which in turn heats the land.
