1. Ocean Currents

2. Surface Currents Winds can move the top 400 meters of the ocean
Transfer heat from warmer to cooler areas
Can form large circular patterns called gyres
north Pacific, south Pacific, north Atlantic , south Atlantic, Indian Ocean
Gyres flow clockwise in Northern Hemisphere & counterclockwise in Southern Hemisphere
because of the Coriolis Effect.

3. Surface Currents

5. Deep Ocean Currents
Driven by differences in water density & salinity (salt content)
The colder & saltier the water (ex. Polar water), the more dense it is
Dense water sinks & pushes warmer water away

6. These movements create the great ocean conveyor belt
Carries heat around the world
Brings oxygen to the deep sea
Moves nutrients (ex. Nitrogen, phosphorus) to the surface
Sinking surface water has few nutrients but the bacteria in the deep water returns nutrients to the water
This water will rise once it is warmed bringing nutrients back to the surface

7. Great Ocean Conveyor Belt

8. Summary of Importance of Ocean Currents
move thermal energy, dissolved oxygen & other nutrients which helps sustain the ocean’s ecosystem
Surface currents affect climate & weather systems
Marine industry, trade & transport
Example: Grand Banks (one of the world’s riches fishing grounds)

9. THE GRAND BANKS: The cold Labrador Current mixes with the warm Gulf Stream at the Grand Banks. The mixing of these waters and the shape of the ocean bottom lifts nutrients to the surface. These conditions help create great biodiversity & one of the richest fishing grounds in the world. You can find Atlantic cod, swordfish, haddock , scallop, lobster, many seabirds & sea mammals including seals, dolphins, & whales. It can also create dangerous weather conditions!