Climate Zones and Ocean Currents MS-ESS2-6

Grade 6 - NGSS - CA

The effect of Earth's rotation on the direction of winds and current

Coriolis effect

The effect of Earth's rotation on the direction of winds and current. Coriolis effect. The Coriolis effect makes winds and ocean currents curve as they move across the Earth because the planet spins.

A worldwide climate change, caused by an increase in the Pacific Ocean’s temperature

El Nino

A worldwide climate change, caused by an increase in the Pacific Oceans temperature. El Nio. El Nio is a climate pattern where the Pacific Ocean warms up, affecting weather around the world.

A band of high-speed wind between the troposphere and the stratosphere

Jet stream

A band of high-speed wind between the troposphere and the stratosphere. Jet stream. Jet streams are fast-flowing air currents high in the atmosphere that influence weather patterns.

A worldwide climate change, caused by a decrease in the Pacific Ocean’s temperature

La Nina

A worldwide climate change, caused by a decrease in the Pacific Oceans temperature. La Nia. La Nia is a natural climate pattern where the ocean's surface temperature cools near the equator in the Pacific, affecting global weather.

A wind that changes direction with the seasons

Monsoon

A wind that changes direction with the seasons. Monsoon. A monsoon is a seasonal wind pattern that causes rainy and dry seasons in some regions.

The movement of streams of ocean water

Ocean current

The movement of streams of ocean water. Ocean current. Ocean currents are like giant rivers in the ocean that move water around, helping to distribute heat and nutrients.

The permanent east-to-west prevailing winds that flow in the Earth's equatorial region

Trade winds

The permanent east-to-west prevailing winds that flow in the Earth's equatorial region. Trade winds. Trade winds are steady winds that blow towards the equator, helping ships sail across the ocean.

The vertical movement of cold water from the deep ocean to the surface

Upwelling

The vertical movement of cold water from the deep ocean to the surface. Upwelling. Upwelling is when deep, cold water rises to the ocean's surface, bringing nutrients that help sea life grow.