FAQs on Ocean Currents Video Lecture - Famous Books for UPSC Exam (Summary & Tests)
1. What are ocean currents and how are they formed? |
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Ans. Ocean currents are continuous movements of ocean water that flow in specific directions. They can be formed by various factors, such as wind patterns, temperature differences, and the Earth's rotation. Wind-driven currents, for example, are formed when prevailing winds push the water in a particular direction, creating a flow. Temperature-driven currents, on the other hand, occur when warm water from the equator moves towards the poles and cold water from the poles moves towards the equator.
2. How do ocean currents affect climate? |
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Ans. Ocean currents play a crucial role in regulating Earth's climate. They help to distribute heat around the globe, influencing regional and global temperature patterns. Warm ocean currents carry heat from the tropics towards higher latitudes, resulting in milder climates in areas such as Western Europe. Conversely, cold ocean currents bring cooler waters from the poles towards the equator, leading to cooler climates in regions like California's coast. These temperature variations influence weather patterns and can even impact rainfall distribution.
3. What are the major ocean currents and their significance? |
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Ans. There are several major ocean currents, including the Gulf Stream, the Kuroshio Current, the Antarctic Circumpolar Current, and the North Atlantic Drift. These currents have significant effects on marine ecosystems, climate, and even human activities. For example, the Gulf Stream transports warm water from the Gulf of Mexico across the Atlantic Ocean, greatly influencing the climate of Western Europe. The Kuroshio Current affects weather patterns in East Asia, while the Antarctic Circumpolar Current plays a crucial role in redistributing heat and nutrients around the globe.
4. How do ocean currents impact marine life? |
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Ans. Ocean currents have a profound impact on marine life. They help to distribute nutrients, oxygen, and heat, which are essential for the survival of various organisms. Currents also influence the movement of plankton, which serves as the base of the marine food chain. Some marine species, such as sea turtles and whales, rely on ocean currents for migration and navigation. Additionally, currents can create upwelling zones, where nutrient-rich waters are brought to the surface, supporting the growth of phytoplankton and ultimately sustaining diverse marine ecosystems.
5. Can ocean currents cause extreme weather events? |
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Ans. Yes, ocean currents can contribute to the formation of extreme weather events. For instance, warm ocean currents provide a significant source of energy to tropical cyclones, such as hurricanes and typhoons. These currents supply warm, moist air to the storm systems, enabling them to intensify and potentially cause widespread destruction. Additionally, ocean currents can influence the formation of weather phenomena like El Niño and La Niña, which can lead to droughts, floods, and other extreme weather patterns in different regions of the world.