Currents, Waves, And Tides

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  • 1/15 Questions

    The amount of salt in a given amount of water is:

    • Coriolis effect
    • Salinity
    • Density current
    • Surface current
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About This Quiz

Test over currents, waves, and tides aimed at sixth grade earth science students.

Currents, Waves, And Tides - Quiz

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  • 2. 

    The highest point of a wave is:

    • Crest

    • Wavelength

    • Trough

    • Frequency

    Correct Answer
    A. Crest
    Explanation
    The highest point of a wave is called the crest. In a wave, the crest refers to the point where the displacement of the medium is at its maximum positive value. It is the peak of the wave, located above the equilibrium position. The crest is followed by the trough, which is the lowest point of the wave.

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  • 3. 

    The lowest point of a wave is the:

    • Crest

    • Wavelength

    • Trough

    • Frequency

    Correct Answer
    A. Trough
    Explanation
    The lowest point of a wave is called the trough. In a wave, the trough is the point where the displacement or amplitude is at its lowest. It is the opposite of the crest, which is the highest point of the wave. The wavelength refers to the distance between two consecutive troughs or crests in a wave. Frequency, on the other hand, represents the number of complete waves passing a certain point in a given time.

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  • 4. 

    ______________ water rises and ________________ water sinks

    • Warm, cold

    • Cold, warm

    • None of the above

    • All of the above

    Correct Answer
    A. Warm, cold
    Explanation
    Warm water rises and cold water sinks due to differences in density. When water is heated, its molecules become more energetic and spread out, causing the water to expand and become less dense. This less dense warm water rises to the surface. On the other hand, cold water is denser because its molecules are closer together. Therefore, it sinks to the bottom. This process is known as convection and plays a crucial role in ocean currents and weather patterns.

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  • 5. 

    The sun's rays are strongest at the____________ and weakest at the _______________:Hint: the stronger the rays, the hotter it gets!!!

    • Equator, poles

    • Poles, equator

    • Ocean floor, ocean surface

    • Midocean ridge, continental shelf

    Correct Answer
    A. Equator, poles
    Explanation
    The sun's rays are strongest at the equator because this is the region that receives the most direct sunlight throughout the year. The equator is located near the middle of the Earth, where the sun's rays hit the surface at a more direct angle. This concentrated energy leads to higher temperatures and makes the equator hotter than other regions. On the other hand, the sun's rays are weakest at the poles because they hit the surface at a slanted angle, spreading out over a larger area. This results in less concentrated energy and lower temperatures at the poles.

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  • 6. 

    What type of ocean motion is influenced by the moon and the sun?

    • Density currents

    • Surface currents

    • Waves

    • Tides

    Correct Answer
    A. Tides
    Explanation
    Tides are the type of ocean motion that is influenced by the moon and the sun. The gravitational pull of the moon and the sun causes the ocean waters to rise and fall in a rhythmic pattern, creating tides. This gravitational force is strongest when the moon and sun are aligned, causing higher high tides (spring tides) and lower low tides. When the moon and sun are at right angles, the gravitational force is weaker, resulting in lower high tides (neap tides) and higher low tides. Tides play a crucial role in various coastal processes and ecosystems.

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  • 7. 

    The size of a wave is NOT affected by the:

    • Length and time the wind blows across the water

    • Salinity of the water

    • Strength of the wind (how hard the wind is blowing)

    • Distance the wind blows across the water

    Correct Answer
    A. Salinity of the water
    Explanation
    The size of a wave is not affected by the salinity of the water. The size of a wave is primarily determined by the length and time the wind blows across the water, the strength of the wind, and the distance the wind blows across the water. Salinity refers to the amount of salt in the water and does not directly impact the size of the waves.

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  • 8. 

    This occurs when circulation in the ocean brings deep, cold water to the ocean surface:

    • Rotation of the earth

    • Density

    • Coriolis effect

    • Upwelling

    Correct Answer
    A. Upwelling
    Explanation
    Upwelling refers to the process in which deep, cold water from the ocean is brought to the surface. This phenomenon occurs due to various factors such as wind patterns, ocean currents, and the rotation of the earth. As the wind blows parallel to the coastline, it pushes the surface water away, causing an upward movement of the colder, nutrient-rich water from below. This upwelling of deep water is essential for marine ecosystems as it brings nutrients to the surface, supporting the growth of phytoplankton and subsequently, the entire food chain.

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  • 9. 

    Density currents are caused by:

    • Differences in temperature

    • Differences in salinity

    • The moon's gravity

    • A and B are both correct

    Correct Answer
    A. A and B are both correct
    Explanation
    Density currents are caused by differences in temperature and differences in salinity. When there are variations in temperature or salinity within a fluid, it leads to differences in density. This density difference causes the fluid to flow in a current, with denser fluid sinking and less dense fluid rising. These currents can occur in both the ocean and the atmosphere and play a crucial role in the distribution of heat and nutrients, as well as the circulation of water and air masses. Therefore, both temperature and salinity differentials contribute to the formation of density currents.

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  • 10. 

    When the sun, moon, and earth are all aligned (in a straight line), you have a

    • Density current

    • Neap tide

    • Surface current

    • Spring tide

    Correct Answer
    A. Spring tide
    Explanation
    A spring tide occurs when the sun, moon, and earth are all aligned in a straight line. This alignment creates a stronger gravitational pull, causing higher high tides and lower low tides. Spring tides happen during the new moon and full moon phases. The term "spring" in spring tide does not refer to the season, but rather to the concept of the tide "springing forth" or being particularly strong.

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  • 11. 

    When the wind blows across a body of water (like the ocean), ________________ between the water and air causes the water to move.

    • Ions

    • Gravity

    • Friction

    • Density

    Correct Answer
    A. Friction
    Explanation
    When the wind blows across a body of water, the friction between the water and air causes the water to move. Friction is the force that opposes the motion of two surfaces in contact with each other. In this case, as the wind pushes against the surface of the water, the friction between the air and water molecules causes the water to be dragged along in the direction of the wind. This movement of water is what we observe as waves or currents.

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  • 12. 

    What causes the currents to curve instead of moving in straight lines?

    • The moon's gravity

    • Wave height

    • Coriolis effect

    • Density currents

    Correct Answer
    A. Coriolis effect
    Explanation
    The Coriolis effect is responsible for causing currents to curve instead of moving in straight lines. This effect is a result of the Earth's rotation and the conservation of angular momentum. As the Earth rotates, it causes moving objects, such as ocean currents, to be deflected to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere. This deflection is what causes the currents to curve and follow a circular path rather than moving in a straight line.

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  • 13. 

    What is the main cause of the gulf steam?

    • Storms

    • Winds that blow now and then

    • Winds that blow in regular directions all the time

    • The moon's gravity

    Correct Answer
    A. Winds that blow in regular directions all the time
    Explanation
    The main cause of the Gulf Stream is the winds that blow in regular directions all the time. These winds, known as the Trade Winds, blow from east to west in the tropics and from west to east in the mid-latitudes. As these winds blow across the surface of the ocean, they create a surface current that moves warm water from the tropics towards the North Atlantic. This warm water is what forms the Gulf Stream, a powerful ocean current that influences the climate of the eastern coast of North America and Europe. The consistent and persistent nature of these winds is what drives the continuous flow of the Gulf Stream.

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  • 14. 

    Surface currents are caused by

    • Wind that blows every now and then

    • Wind that blows in regular directions

    • The moon's gravitational pull

    • Differences in salinity and temperature

    Correct Answer
    A. Wind that blows in regular directions
    Explanation
    Surface currents are caused by wind that blows in regular directions. This is because wind patterns are influenced by the Earth's rotation and atmospheric pressure systems. The prevailing winds, such as the trade winds and the westerlies, consistently blow in specific directions. These winds push the surface waters of the ocean, creating currents that flow in a predictable manner. The regularity of the wind direction ensures the continuity and stability of these surface currents.

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  • 15. 

    The wind blows on the water, passing it's energy to the water. As this energy passes through the water, in what way do the water molecules move?

    • In waves towards the shore

    • In a small vertical circle

    • In the direction of the waves

    • Against the currents

    Correct Answer
    A. In a small vertical circle
    Explanation
    When the wind blows on the water, it transfers its energy to the water molecules. This energy causes the water molecules to move in a small vertical circle. The circular motion is a result of the wind's energy causing the water molecules to oscillate up and down, creating waves. Therefore, the correct answer is "in a small vertical circle."

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Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.

  • Current Version
  • Mar 22, 2023
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Jan 26, 2010
    Quiz Created by
    Sciencerules99
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