Ocean Currents

Ocean currents are large masses of surface water that circulate in regular patterns around the oceans. Ocean currents are the continuous, predictable, directional movement of seawater driven by gravity, wind (Coriolis Effect), and water density.

• Ocean water moves in two directions: horizontally and vertically. Horizontal movements are referred to as currents, while vertical changes are called upwelling or downwelling.
• The water in the equatorial region is hot and light and that of the polar region is cold and heavy.
• That is why, warm andlightwater oftheequatorialregionsflowstowardsthepolarregionalongthesurface.This is called warm current. Similarly, cold and heavy water flow towards the equator along the ocean bed ....