Ocean Currents Notes
ocean and include both long, permanent features such as the Gulf Stream, as well
as smaller, episodic flows in both coastal waters and the open ocean. They are
formed primarily by wind blowing across the surface of the ocean and by
differences in the temperature, density and pressure of water and are steered by
Earth's rotation as well as the location of the continents and topography of the
ocean bottom.
circulations thousands of miles in diameter and rimmed by large, permanent ocean
currents.
smaller, temporary loops of swirling water that can travel long distances before
dissipating.
only 5 gyres in the world, 1 in the Pacific Ocean, 1 in the Indiana Ocean, and 2
in the Atlantic ocean
100- 1,000 years
density, and wind
in the ocean: Surface Currents-- Surface Circulation and Deep
Water Currents--Thermohaline
Circulation
by gravity
currents go off course so that's why it goes around so many
places
fast moving, warm ocean current that originates in the Gulf of Mexico and flows
into the Atlantic Ocean. It makes up a portion of the North Atlantic Subtropical
Gyre.
also by the shape of the ocean floor
Summary:
Because ocean currents circulate water worldwide, they have a big impact on the movement of energy and moisture between the oceans and the
atmosphere. As a result, they are important to the world’s weather conditions. Since the gulf stream is full of warm water, the sea surface temperatures are warm, which keeps places like Europe warmer than other areas at similar latitudes.
Because ocean currents circulate water worldwide, they have a big impact on the movement of energy and moisture between the oceans and the
atmosphere. As a result, they are important to the world’s weather conditions. Since the gulf stream is full of warm water, the sea surface temperatures are warm, which keeps places like Europe warmer than other areas at similar latitudes.