Question

The Gulf Stream is a current that carries water north along the eastern coast of the United States. Which of the following describes the flow of water in the Gulf Stream?
A.
Cool water follows a path to join other cool water.
B.
Warm water follows a path to join other warm water.
C.
Warm water is carried to cooler parts of the ocean.
D.
Cool water is carried to warmer parts of the ocean.

Answer 1

The correct answer is - C. Warm water is carried to cooler parts of the ocean.

The Gulf Stream is warm ocean current. It is an ocean current that originates from the Caribbean region, where it is constantly warm throughout the year. Because of that, the water is warm as well, and since the warm water is less dense, it moves on the surface. The movement is toward the higher latitudes, where this current, as a surface movement of the water, is bringing warmer water to the cooler areas, such as the eastern coast of the United States. Not only that warm water is brought to these areas, but the Gulf Stream also brings in warm and moist air masses with it, making the climate much more mild, and increasing the amount of precipitation.