Ekman transport

Ekman transport is a phenomenon in oceanography where wind-driven surface waters move at an angle to the wind direction due to the Coriolis force and friction. This movement occurs within the Ekman layer, a region extending to about 100 meters deep.12

In the Northern Hemisphere, the surface water is deflected about 45° to the right of the wind, and in the Southern Hemisphere, it's to the left. The average movement of water particles within the Ekman layer is 90° to the wind direction, to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere.12

This transport creates zones of water convergence and divergence. Convergence leads to downwelling, where surface water is pushed downward, while divergence causes upwelling, drawing subsurface water to the surface. These processes significantly impact marine ecosystems by influencing nutrient distribution.12