How are surface ocean currents driven by gravity?
Oceanic currents are driven by several factors. One is the rise and fall of the tides, which is driven by the gravitational attraction of the sun and moon on Earth’s oceans. Tides create a current in the oceans, near the shore, and in bays and estuaries along the coast.
How do ocean currents move around the Earth?
The winds pull surface water with them, creating currents. As these currents flow westward, the Coriolis effect—a force that results from the rotation of the Earth—deflects them. The currents then bend to the right, heading north.
What are the 4 factors that drive ocean currents?
There are four factors affecting the origin and flow of Ocean Currents i.e. Rotation and gravitational force of the Earth; Oceanic factors (temperature, salinity, density, pressure gradient and melting of ice); atmospheric factors (atmospheric pressure, winds, rainfall, evaporation and insolation); factors that …
What are surface currents caused by?
Surface currents in the ocean are driven by global wind systems that are fueled by energy from the sun. Patterns of surface currents are determined by wind direction, Coriolis forces from the Earth’s rotation, and the position of landforms that interact with the currents.
How does the rotation of the earth affect the ocean currents?
Our planet’s rotation produces a force on all bodies moving relative to theEarth. Due to Earth’s approximately spherical shape, this force is greatest at the poles and least at the Equator. The force, called the “Coriolis effect,” causes the direction of winds and ocean currents to be deflected.
What is the motion in the ocean?
The ocean is in constant motion driven by winds, tides and changes in temperature and salinity. The ocean is always moving. The ocean moves water, heat, salt and nutrients around the world.
What is the cause of surface currents?
Surface currents in the ocean are driven by global wind systems that are fueled by energy from the sun. Currents may also be caused by density differences in water masses due to temperature (thermo) and salinity (haline) variations via a process known as thermohaline circulation.
What are surface currents driven by?
What produces surface currents in the ocean quizlet?
Surface currents occur at the surface of the ocean and are caused by global winds; the Gulf Stream is an example. Deep currents occur deep in the ocean and are influenced by water density, salinity, and temperature.
What are ocean currents driven by quizlet?
Are ocean currents caused by waves?
Most waves in the ocean are wind generated waves. Ocean surface currents are produced by major overall patterns of atmospheric circulation, the Coriolis Effect and the shape of each ocean basin. Deep ocean circulation is density driven circulation produced by differences in salinity and temperature of water masses.