Explain how deep ocean currents circulate with our paper model
The Ocean Conveyor Belt is a natural system that transports deep water about the globe over a thousand year cycle. It relies on differences in water density due to temperature and salinity - hence its other name the Thermohaline Circulation.
It starts with very cold dense surface water in the North Atlantic. This sinks and travels south through the Atlantic Ocean to Antarctica. The deep water current then flows into the Indian and Pacific Oceans before warming and surfacing and returning to the Atlantic Ocean.
Show your class what drives this deep water circulation and why it is so important for life in the seas of the world.
Buy once, print forever!
First, your students build their model out of the colourful parts. Then, they use their model to look at the steps of the Ocean Conveyor Belt.
The model also covers the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) which is considered a potential tipping point for the Earth's climate due to global warming.
Includes full colour Powerpoint class presentation!
Takes about 20 minutes!
Dimensions: 23cm x 14cm / 9in x 5.5in
Download includes: instructions, model templates and Powerpoint presentation.
All you need: paper, scissors and tape
