The student's model represents the sun's effect on ocean currents by using a heat lamp and cold water. When the heat lamp warms the water, it simulates how the sun's heat can influence ocean currents.
1. If this model accurately represents ocean currents, the heated water will most likely move away from the heat source due to convection currents. Convection occurs because warmer water is less dense and tends to rise while colder, denser water sinks.
2. As a result, the heated water will rise and spread out from under the heat lamp, creating a current that moves away from the heat source. This movement mirrors how warmer surface waters are driven by the sun's energy to create ocean currents in the real world.
Therefore, the correct answer is:
- It will flow along the surface away from the heat lamp.
