1. OCEAN SURFACE CURRENTS
4/27/17
OCEAN SURFACE CURRENTS
Objective: I will explain what creates and controls ocean surface currents.
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2. Surface Currents
Stream-like movement of water at or near the surface of the ocean.
Surface currents are created and controlled by 4 factors
Global Winds
Coriolis Effect
Continents
Temperature of the Water

3. Global Winds Caused by the uneven heating of Earth’s atmosphere.
equator- direct energy
poles- indirect energy
Differences in pressure at different latitudes cause belts of wind that flow in different directions, these are called Global Wind Belts

5. Global Winds Trade Winds - blow from east to west (0-30o)
Westerlies - blow from west to east (30-60o)
Easterlies - blow from east to west (60-90o)

6. Global Winds
Winds blowing across the Earth’s surface create surface currents in the ocean
Different global winds cause currents to flow in different directions

7. Coriolis Effect
Earth’s rotation causes surface currents to move in curved paths rather than straight lines.

8. Coriolis Effect

9. Coriolis Effect
Gyre- large system of circulating ocean currents created by the Coriolis Effect
Turn clockwise (to the right) in the northern hemisphere
Turn counterclockwise (to the left) in the southern hemisphere

11. Continents
When surface currents meet continents they deflect or change directions.

12. Temperature

13. Temperature Warm surface currents form in warm areas
They distribute heat from the equator
Example: Gulf Stream

14. Temperature Cold surface currents form in cold areas
They carry cold water from polar areas back to the equator
Example: California Current

15. Temperature

16. Surface Currents
EAC - From Finding Nemo