Download Surface Currents Activity

Class Copy – Please Do Not Write on the Paper
Surface Currents
Introduction:
Surface waters of the Earth’s oceans are forced to move, primarily by
winds. Where winds blow in the same direction for a long period of time, currents will develop
that transport large masses of water over considerable distances across ocean surfaces.
Objective: In this activity, you will identify some surface currents and determine their effect
on the temperatures of the continents they border.
Materials: Pencil or pen, colored pencils, Ocean Currents Map
The following chart lists some surface currents in the ocean. Each current is identified with a
number and classified as a cold or warm current. These same currents are represented by
arrows and identified by numbers on the Ocean Currents Map.
Surface Currents
Number
Name of surface current
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
California Current
Canary Current
Gulf Stream
Kuroshio Current
East Australian Current
Benguela Current
Brazil Current
Peru Current
Antarctic Circumpolar
Current
9
Temperature of water
transported by the
current
Cold
Cold
Warm
Warm
Warm
Cold
Warm
Cold
Cold
Procedures:
1. Correctly identify each of the currents on the Ocean Current Map by labeling them in the
space provided within the arrows.
2. Correctly identify the seven continents and label them on the map including North America,
South America, Antarctica, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia.
3. Correctly identify the four major oceans and label them on the map including the Pacific,
Atlantic, Indian and Arctic Oceans.
4. Using a dark blue map pencil, lightly color the arrows that represent the cold water currents.
Class Copy – Please Do Not Write on the Paper
5. Using a red map pencil, lightly color the arrows that represent the warm water currents.
6. Using a green map pencil, lightly color the continents.
7. Using a light blue map pencil color the oceans.
8. Using a black map pencil, trace the equator at 0 o latitude and label it.
Note: Make sure that all labeling is readable after you have colored in your map. You
may have to go over your labeling with a pen.
9. Glue or tape your map into your science journal and title your entry “Ocean Current”
10. Answer the following questions in your journal using COMPLETE SENTENCES!!!
Questions: Answer the following questions in your journal using Complete Sentences.
1. What is the primary source that causes ocean surface currents to move?
2. Where do warm water currents originate?
3. Where do cold water currents originate?
4. What direction do currents flow in the northern hemisphere?
5. What direction do currents flow in the southern hemisphere?
6. How does the California Current affect the temperature of the west coast of the United
States?
7. How does the Gulf Stream affect the temperatures for the east coast of the United States?