Exploring and Discovering
Comparing Ocean Currents with Wind Circulation Record Sheet

Exploration Question

What is the relationship between current direction and wind circulation?

Prediction and Explanation

 

Data

Wind Circulation

wind currents

 

Ocean Currents


Using your maps of Earth’s ocean currents and winds, determine which direction currents and wind are moving in each of the five locations listed below. Record your findings in the data table using compass direction, e.g. N, S, E, W, NE, NW, etc.

Wind and Current Direction Table

Location
Direction of Movement
 
Ocean current
Wind circulation
West coast of the United States    
East coast of the United States    
North Pacific Ocean (around 40°N, 170°W)    
Just north of Antarctica at 50°S, 100°E    
To the west of South America at 10°S, 100°W    



Questions

  1. Looking at the five locations above, what relationship do you see between ocean current direction and wind direction?
  2. Look at the wind map. Are the winds between 0° and 30° in both hemispheres coming from the east or from the west?
  3. Look at the wind map. Are the winds between 30° and 60° in both hemispheres coming from the east or from the west?