Ocean Currents
Ocean Currents
This page introduces ocean currents, the mechanisms that drive them and their heat and nutrient transfers. It provides several well resources videos and graphics to help students discover for themselves. It also includes a fun map from memory activity.
Enquiry Question
How do ocean currents operate and influence?
Lesson Time: 1 Hour
Lesson Objectives:
- To describe the distribution of warm and cold ocean currents
- To explain the operation of these ocean currents
- To explain how ocean currents transfer nutrients and energy
Starter Activity - Ocean Current Visualizer - Patterns and Processes
Study the following animation visualizing ocean currents.
- Write down observations on the patterns you observe. Focus on small-scale locations and large-scale ocean transfers
- Discuss with your table the patterns you observed
Student Activity - The Global Map of Ocean Currents - Map From Memory - Patterns
Work with your table to make a copy of the following map showing the global pattern of ocean currents
The map will be shown for 15 seconds. Study it and then complete your map with the correct arrows to show location, direction and temperature
The map will be shown a second time and possibly a third time
Map from Memory Template
Student Activity - The Thermohaline Conveyor Belt - Patterns and Processes
Watch the following video and answer the questions (watch the from 3 minutes)
How big is the thermohaline conveyor belt and how long does it take to complete a full cycle?
What drives the conveyor belt movement in the Arctic?
Student Activity - NOAA Explains Ocean Currents - Processes
Read the following NOAA text explaining ocean currents
Surface currents are generated largely by wind. Their patterns are determined by wind direction, Coriolis force
from the Earth’s rotation, and the position of landforms that interact with the currents. Surface wind-driven currents generate upwelling currents in conjunction with landforms, creating deep water currents.
Currents may also be generated by density differences in water masses caused by temperature and salinity variations. These currents move water masses through the deep ocean—taking nutrients, oxygen, and heat with them.
Occasional events also trigger serious currents. Huge storms move water masses. Underwater earthquakes may trigger devastating tsunamis. Both move masses of water inland when they reach shallow water and coastlines. Earthquakes may also trigger rapid downslope movement of water-saturated sediments, creating turbidity currents strong enough to snap submarine communication cables.
Student Activity - The Ocean: A Driving Force for Weather and Climate - Processes
Watch the following video and answer the questions on the worksheet.
Student Activity - Ocean Nutrient Transfers - Processes
Study the following image showing ocean nutrient cycles in the Southern Ocean.
- Where do ocean nutrients come from?
- Where are they stored and transported?
Student Assessment - Exam Questions
- Explain two ways that oceans transfer nutrients (2+2)
- Suggest two reasons explaining ocean currents (2+2)