Name _____________________
Ocean Currents: Introduction
Instructions: Read through the following information and diagram. Then complete the questions below.
Most of the Earth’s surface, 70%, is covered by the oceans. These oceans are very important to all life
on the planet. The oceans not only contain water, but also influence many parts of the Earth’s climate
system. Within the oceans, large and small ocean currents transport water and nutrients to all parts of
the globe. Ocean currents are continuous directed movement of seawater from one part of the ocean to
another. These currents are generated several ways. Atmospheric winds, the Earth’s Coriolis Effect,
tides, as well as seawater density all contribute to the formation and flow of ocean currents.
Ocean currents can flow great
distances and create what
oceanographers call “Global
Conveyor Belts” of seawater.
These conveyor belts play an
important role in determining
climate around the earth.
Several major climate
influencing currents include,
the Gulf Steam, Labrador,
California, Kuroshio, as well
as several “Equatorial”
currents that run along the
Earth's equator. All oceanic
currents interact with the Earth's
atmosphere and biosphere.
This interaction is vital to
maintaining life on earth.
There are two major types of oceanic currents, Surface Currents and Deep Currents. Surface currents
are driven by wind and global weather patterns. Generally the cool surface currents move from the polar
regions toward the equatorial regions, while warm surface currents move in the opposite direction. Deep
currents are caused by density and temperature differences in the ocean. This deep ocean circulation is
also called “Thermohaline Circulation”. Although most deep ocean currents are much slower than surface
currents, they are very important for marine ecosystems. Many sea organisms rely on the deep oceanic
currents to deliver nutrients, food, and to trigger migrations. Currently scientists are studying the possible
effects of global warming on changes in oceanic currents. Since ocean currents play an important role in
many of Earth's systems, scientists are watching for any changes to better understand currents.
Read the following statements and complete the “Fill-Ins” with information from this page.
1- The oceans cover ___________ of the Earth's surface.
2- Ocean currents are generated by Winds, Tides, Coriolis Effect and __________________________.
3- Oceanographers call ocean currents _____________________________ of sea water.
4- The Gulf Stream, Labrador, _______________ and ______________ are climate influencing currents.
5- All ocean currents interact with the Earth's atmosphere and ____________________.
6- The two main types of currents are ______________ currents and ______________ currents.
7- Surface currents are caused by wind and __________________ weather patterns.
8- Another name for Deep Ocean currents is _______________________ Circulation.
GES - Activity
Name _____________________
Ocean Currents: Map Activity
Instructions: Read through the following information and diagram. Then complete the activities below.
The Earth’s oceans are an important part of the earth’s climate system. Warm and Cold ocean currents
help drive the world’s weather and climate. Surface currents are caused by winds and global weather
patterns, while Deep currents are caused by temperature and density differences.
The map below represents the earth’s major oceanic currents.
Complete the following map activities.
1- Use a red colored pencil and shade all the Warm Ocean Current names and arrows.
2- Use a blue colored pencil and shade all the Cold Ocean Current names and arrows.
3- Which current has an effect on the east coast of North America? _____________________________
4- Which current has an effect on the west coast of North America? _____________________________
5- Which direction do the South Pacific currents rotate? (Circle one) Clockwise or Counterclockwise
6- Which direction do the North Pacific currents rotate?(Circle one) Clockwise or Counterclockwise
7- Which coast of North America would have warm water?(Circle one) East or West
8- Which coast of Australia would have cold water?(Circle one) East or West
9- Which coast of South America would have cold water?(Circle one) East or West
10- Which current is the largest in all the worlds oceans? _____________________________
GES - Activity
