Ocean Currents
Continuous, directed movements of seawater driven by wind, temperature, and salinity differences.
Also: thermohaline circulation
Definition
Ocean currents are continuous, directed movements of seawater generated by surface winds, temperature gradients, salinity differences (thermohaline circulation), and Earth's rotation (Coriolis effect). Surface currents are primarily wind-driven, while deep ocean circulation is driven by density differences from temperature and salinity. Ocean currents distribute heat around the planet, strongly influencing regional climates.
Example
“The Gulf Stream carries warm tropical water northeastward across the Atlantic Ocean, keeping the climate of Western Europe significantly warmer than other regions at the same latitude, such as Canada's Labrador coast.”
Synonyms
- sea currents
- thermohaline circulation
- marine currents
Images
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Related Terms
- Thermohaline Circulation
- Climate
- Coriolis Effect
- Water Cycle