Ocean Current
Ocean currents are massive, continuous movements of seawater driven by various forces. Ocean currents are like rivers in the sea, but instead of freshwater, they transport vast volumes of saltwater. They flow in predictable directions and influence everything from climate patterns to marine life distribution.
- Types of Currents: Ocean currents can be categorized based on their location and depth:
- Surface Currents: Flow in the upper ocean, primarily influenced by wind and the Coriolis Effect. Examples include the Gulf Stream and Kuroshio Current.
- Deep Currents: Move slowly in the deep ocean, driven by density differences. They play a crucial role in global heat transport and ocean circulation.
- Driving forces that combine to create ocean currents are Wind, the Coriolis effect, water density, Earth’s Rotation and Tides.
- Ocean currents have a global significance or impact on the planet such as climate regulation, marine life, weather patterns and coastal processes.
- Examples of Major Currents that an follows impact on the planet are as following :
- Gulf Stream (Atlantic): Carries warm water from the tropics to Western Europe, moderating its climate.
- Kuroshio Current (Pacific): Warm current bringing mild temperatures to the east coast of Japan.
- California Current (Pacific): Cool current rich in nutrients, creating ideal conditions for kelp forests off the west coast of North America.
- Peru Current (Pacific): Brings cold, nutrient-rich waters to the surface, creating a highly productive fishing zone off the coast of Peru.
Temperature of Ocean Water| Class 11 Chapter 12 Geography Notes
The ocean water temperature is directly affected by the amount of radiation received from the sun on the ocean surface. The latitudes are closer to the equator and receive direct sunlight all over the years the ocean surface is warmer in these regions where sunlight falls.
The ocean temperatures are different in terms of depth and longitude. There is an inverse relation between the depth and temperature of the ocean. Wherever in the ocean if the depth is deeper than the lower the temperature would be.
In this article, You will learn about the Temperature of ocean water, the Horizontal and Vertical distribution of the ocean temp, and many more related to the topic.