How does seafloor topography affect ocean current flow?
In this 3- to 4-day investigation, students will develop an understanding of the two basic ways seafloor topography influences ocean circulation patterns, steering ocean flows and providing barriers to deep water mixing. They draw and then construct a seafloor model and experiment with solutions of colored saline water, to see how they behave when the colored saline water encounters underwater barriers. They solidify their understanding through follow-up discussions and writing, and apply their understanding as they view an animated video clip illustrating interactions of ocean currents and climate.
