Activity One - Comprehension - Processes - Ocean Currents

We will now look at some of the processes that occur in and around our oceans to understand how they may impact us on land. You are initially going to try and answer the questions below individually by watching the YouTube clip in the 'Useful Resources' box. By watching the YouTube clip by yourself you will be able to stop and start the clip as you need to. Answer the questions either on the question grid or in full sentences in your book.

• • 1. What are ocean currents driven by?

    2. What are surface currents driven by and what do they do?

    3. What is the major force in the open ocean?

    4. How does the answer to question 3 impact the deep ocean currents?

    5. What are the big ocean current loops called? 

    6. Describe the movement of ocean currents in the Northern and Southern Hemisphere.

    7. Why do the ocean currents move in certain directions?

    8. What are deep ocean currents primarily driven by?

    9. Why is there a higher concentration of salt at the Poles?

    10. Describe how a thermohaline circulation works.

    11. Collect a blank copy of a map of the world and mark on the movement of the ocean conveyor belt. Use different colours for the warm and cold currents.

    12. How quickly does the conveyor belt move?

    13. What is the importance of the ocean conveyor belt?

    14. Why is there little ocean current movement near the Antarctic region?

    15. Why is the water around Western Europe warmer than its location suggests it should be?

Useful Resources

Activity Two - Comprehension - Processes - Salty Ocean Water

While the ocean covers over 70% of our Earth we can't drink it without taking out the salt. How do our oceans get to be so salty. 

• • 1. Watch the second YouTube clip and created an annotated diagram to explain the two different causes behind ocean salinity. The second link in the 'To Read' section will also help you with what an annotated digram is and the process of how the ocean becomes salty. 

    2. Why do oceans not mix their water?

Useful Resources

Activity Three - Discover

We would imagine that ocean water would mix but it actually doesn't. Let's find out why. 

1. Watch the YouTube clip in the 'Useful Resources' box and explain why the different oceans water does not mix.

Useful Resource

Activity Four - Discover - Impact

Throughout the activities you have learnt why oceans are important to humans and the processes behind the movement of our ocean currents. Unfortunately, nature is not a simple beast and it has a habit of surprising humans. The movement of our ocean currents can actually change direction in the Southern Hemisphere causing droughts, fires and floods. We are going to explore what these changes of ocean currents are called along with the impact of them.

• • 1. Describe what El Niño and La Niña are?

    2. How do El Niño and La Niña impact the climate of an area? Give examples.

Useful Resources