Ocean on the move
Follow currents across the surface—and below it.
Before you jump in
From a beach, the ocean's most obvious movement may be a line of breaking waves. A map of currents reveals another picture: broad flows, rotating systems, and routes that reach below the surface. This quiz follows that less obvious movement and asks what drives it. The aim is to understand connections rather than memorize a world map full of arrows.
The opening questions introduce a few useful terms. From there, you will compare forces acting near the surface with changes that affect water deeper down, then follow the consequences of vertical movement. Pay attention to the scale of each question: a current system is different from one small swirl, and a process is different from a guarantee about local conditions. By the end, a still photograph of the sea should suggest a much larger moving system beyond the frame.
What you’ll explore
- Wind, gyres, and eddies
- Temperature, salinity, and density
- Upwelling and nutrient movement
Connect ocean circulation processes with the movement of water and nutrients.
What is a major driver of surface ocean currents?
This is the opening question. Start the round to see the choices and test your answer.
