The rotation of the Earth, coupled with the difference in temperature between the air and water, creates currents. Warm air and sea tend to flow towards the poles where the cooled air then flows back towards the equator. Land obstructions cause the currents to alter their course. The air is faster to warm up and cool down than the oceans, with surface water being affected more quickly than the deeper water.
On the average, it most often blow horizontally.
The curved paths of global winds and surface currents are caused by warm air near the equator.
Global winds and currents near the equator flow east to west. The global wind belt located north and south of the equator is called trade winds.
Ocean currents are responsible for mixing heat evenly throughout the ocean. These currents transport warm water from the equator towards the poles and bring cold water from the poles towards the equator, helping to regulate global temperature. Winds also play a role in driving ocean currents and redistributing heat.
Ocean currents follow regular patterns related to the Earth's rotation, prevailing winds, and differences in water density caused by temperature and salinity variations. These factors influence the direction and speed of the currents, creating complex circulation patterns in the oceans.
On the average, it most often blow horizontally.
Ocean currents form
Continental deflections,the Coriolis effect and global winds all effect surface ocean currents.
The winds most involved in forming ocean currents are the global wind patterns, such as the trade winds, westerlies, and polar easterlies. These winds drive the surface waters of the oceans, creating ocean currents that can transport heat, nutrients, and marine life around the globe.
Global winds do not directly cause deep currents. Deep ocean currents are primarily driven by differences in water density, which are influenced by temperature and salinity. While global winds can indirectly affect the distribution and movement of deep currents through their impact on surface currents and mixing processes, they are not the primary driving force.
global winds, coriolis effect, and continental deflections
Global Winds, Earth´s Rotation, and Water Temperature
Continental deflections,the Coriolis effect and global winds all effect surface ocean currents.
westward
it would be more hot and the ocean would be warmer or coller
Surface ocean currents are primarily driven by global winds, as the friction between the wind and the ocean's surface propels water in the direction of the wind. The Earth's rotation also influences these currents through the Coriolis effect, causing them to curve rather than flow in a straight line. This interaction creates large-scale circular patterns known as gyres in the ocean, which play a crucial role in regulating climate and distributing heat across the planet. Ultimately, the relationship between surface ocean currents and global winds is essential for maintaining the Earth's climate system.
Global winds, insolation, large bodies of water and ocean currents.