Ocean Currents “Honors” Earth Space Science 3/16/2008 Pd #11 Jocelynne Hernandez, Tomas Diaz, Rosalba Gallardo

Effects The waters of the ocean move in giant streams called currents. Learning what affects ocean current is pretty hard. Oceanographers identify ocean currents by studying the physical and chemical characteristics of the water. They also know two major types of ocean currents which are Surface Currents and Deep Currents.

Controlling Currents Surface currents are controlled by three factors the wind belts, the earths rotational effects, and the location of the continents.

Patterns The Carioles effect is also a major factor controlling surface current it. Affects the deflection of the earths winds and ocean currents caused by the earths rotation.

Different Type Of Currents The pattern of currents around the Sargasso sea, concentrates all kinds of floating debris. which has a vast area of relatively calm, warm water. The pattern of currents in north pacific is similar to that in north Atlantic. The warm Japan current the pacific equivalent of the gulf stream, flows northward along the east coast Asia.

Carioles Effect Turbidity currents occur when large masses of sediment that have accurate along a continental shelf of continental slope suddenly break loose in. which is a strong current caused by underwater slide.

Deep Currents Deep currents generally move much more slowly than do the surface currents. . To the Wind-driven surface currents, the ocean has cold dense currents that flow very slowly. Deep beneath its surface. They are produced as cold, dense water of the polar regions sinks and flows beneath warmer ocean water toward the equator.