1. Explain how currents contribute to the distribution of marine organisms around the planet.
The role of surface currents in transporting heat is reflected in the temperature of the sea surface. Surface temperature is higher on the western sides of the ocean currents carry warm water away from the equator, than on the eastern sides, where cold currents flow toward the equator. Because of this, tropical organisms like corals tend to extend into high latitudes on the west sides of the ocean. Cold loving organisms like kelps, on the other hand, occur closest to the equator on the eastern shores of the oceans.
2. The primary factor influencing ocean currents is temperature regulation. What might happen to the ocean currents (and has happened in the past) as global warming increases?
The flow of some major ocean currents may change, affecting many marine ecosystems. Mangrove forests and estuaries will be flooded; coral reefs may not grow fast enough to keep up with the rising sea levels. A change in the Gulf Stream, for instance, will make northwestern Europe colder.
3. Explain how density changes cause currents.
The book describes it to be, if the surface layer is less dense than the layer below it requires less energy to mix the water; but when the surface layer is a lot more dense than the bottom layer it is harder to mix.
The role of surface currents in transporting heat is reflected in the temperature of the sea surface. Surface temperature is higher on the western sides of the ocean currents carry warm water away from the equator, than on the eastern sides, where cold currents flow toward the equator. Because of this, tropical organisms like corals tend to extend into high latitudes on the west sides of the ocean. Cold loving organisms like kelps, on the other hand, occur closest to the equator on the eastern shores of the oceans.
2. The primary factor influencing ocean currents is temperature regulation. What might happen to the ocean currents (and has happened in the past) as global warming increases?
The flow of some major ocean currents may change, affecting many marine ecosystems. Mangrove forests and estuaries will be flooded; coral reefs may not grow fast enough to keep up with the rising sea levels. A change in the Gulf Stream, for instance, will make northwestern Europe colder.
3. Explain how density changes cause currents.
The book describes it to be, if the surface layer is less dense than the layer below it requires less energy to mix the water; but when the surface layer is a lot more dense than the bottom layer it is harder to mix.
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