How tides and ocean currents form and the basic physical science behind them, one concept per card.
30 cards · basic cards · AI-written, checked twice. Edit anything.
- What causes tides?
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The gravitational pull of the Moon and Sun on Earth's oceans- How many high tides occur in most locations each day?
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Two, one on the side facing the Moon and one on the opposite side- What is the Coriolis effect?
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The apparent deflection of moving objects due to Earth's rotation- In what direction do rip currents flow?
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Seaward, away from the shore- Spring tides are characterized by what?
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The largest difference between high and low tide levels- When do spring tides occur?
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When the Sun and Moon are aligned on the same side of Earth- Neap tides result from what Moon-Sun configuration?
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The Sun and Moon positioned at right angles relative to Earth- What is a thermocline?
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A layer of ocean where temperature changes rapidly with depth- What does ocean salinity measure?
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The concentration of dissolved salts in seawater- The Gulf Stream is what type of ocean current?
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A warm current flowing northeastward from the Caribbean- The Humboldt Current is characterized as what type?
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A cold ocean current flowing along the coast of South America- Name four factors that drive ocean currents.
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Wind, temperature differences, salinity variations, and Earth's rotation- What is an ocean gyre?
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A large system of rotating ocean currents- Upwelling brings what to the ocean surface?
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Deep, cold water rising from the ocean depths- At what depth does the abyssal zone begin?
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Below 2000 meters
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