Like air, water that is more dense sinks. This helps create currents deep in the ocean as water flows from areas of high density to areas of low density. A density current is the vertical movement of water caused by differences in density.
Surface Currents
Ocean currents flow at different depths in the ocean. You have learned that density currents move water downward. They carry water from the surface to deeper parts of the ocean.
Surface current is a wind-driven current that carries ocean water horizontally across the ocean's surface. As wind blows over ocean water, it transfers energy to the water. The moving air particles drag on the surface of the water and cause the top portion of the ocean to move.
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Question 2
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Water that is more dense __________
Density currents is the __________ of water in the ocean.
Movement in the ocean currents can be caused by __________.
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Question 3
3.
What two things happen as air blows over the surface of ocean water?
Question 4
4.
Label a quick infographic of wind creating a current as it flows over the surface of ocean water.