Surface Currents
Surface currents develop when friction between the moving atmosphere and the water causes the surface layer of the ocean
to move as a single, large mass. Once set in motion, surface currents are influenced by the Coriolis effect, which deflects
the path of the moving water to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere. Warm
currents carry equatorial water toward the poles, while cold currents move water from higher latitudes toward the equator.
25. Many surface ocean currents flow with great persistence. On the world map, Figure 11.4, arrows representing each of
the following principal surface ocean currents. Use Figure 15.2 in your textbook that depicts surface currents as a reference
to match the letter on the map to the name of the current.
26. Which surface ocean current travels completely around the globe, west to east, without interruption?
27. Which surface ocean current flows along the eastern coast of the United States? The current is a (warm, cold) current.
Circle your answer.
28. What is the name of the surface ocean current located along the western coast of the United States? The current is a
(warm, cold) current. Circle your answer.
29. The general circulation of the surface currents in the North Atlantic Ocean is (clockwise, counterclockwise). In the
South Atlantic, circulation is (clockwise, counterclockwise). Circle your answers.
