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Science-Chapter 14
Currents
24
Science
6th Grade
02/25/2009

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Term
ocean currents
Definition
a movement of ocean water that follows a regular pattern
Term
surface current
Definition
a horizontal movement of ocean water that is cuased by wind and that occurs at or near the ocean's surface
Term
winds
Definition
What causes surface currents?
Term
coriolis effect
Definition
the apparent curving of the path of a moving object from an otherwise straight path due to the Earth's rotation
Term
continental deflections
Definition
when a water current hits a continent and changes direction
Term
global winds, the coriolis effect, continental deflections
Definition
three things that effect currents
Term
deep currents
Definition
streamlike movements of ocean water located far below the surface
Term
decreasing temperature, increasing salinity through freezing, increasing salinity through evaporation
Definition
how deep currents form
Term
The Gulf Stream carries warm water from the tropics to the north Atlantic Ocean - The Gulf Stream flows to the British Isles and creates a mild climate in a high latitude
Definition
How do warm - water currents affect climate
Term
Cold water from the north Pacific is carried south by the California current -The cold water keeps temperatures along the west coast cooler
Definition
How cold-water currents affect climate.
Term
updwelling
Definition
the movement of deep, cold, nutrient rich water to the surface
Term
el nino
Definition
a change in the water tempature in the pacific ocean that produces a warm current
Term
la nina
Definition
a chasnge in the in the eastern pacific ocean in witch the surface water tempoayure becomes unusually cold
Term
droughts
Definition

unusually long period during witch rainfALL IS BELOW AVERAGE  

 

 

 

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Term
undertow
Definition
a surface current that is near the shore and that pulls objects out to sea
Term
longshore current
Definition
a water current that travels near and parralell to the shoreline
Term
whitecaps
Definition
the bubbles in the crest of a breaking wave
Term
swell
Definition
rolling waves that move steadily accross the ocean
Term
tsunamis
Definition
giant waves that form after a severe earthquake or volcanic eruption.
Term
storm surge
Definition
a local rise in sea level near the shore that is caused by strong winds, dsuch as those from a hurricane
Term
tide
Definition
the periodic rise and fall of the4 level of ocean water
Term
tadal range
Definition
the differance in levels of ocean water at high and low tides
Term
spring tides
Definition
a tide of increaced range that occurs2 times a monthat the new and full moons
Term
neap tide
Definition
a tide of minimum range that occurs during the first and third quarters of the moon
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