ocean circulation

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June 24, 2026

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Ocean currents are continuous, directed movements of seawater that are driven by gravity, wind friction, and variations in water density. These currents play a crucial role in transferring heat from Earth's equatorial regions to the poles, significantly influencing coastal climates.1

There are two main types of ocean circulation:
* Wind-driven circulation: This is the more vigorous type, strongest in the surface layer, and forms large gyres. It is influenced by wind stress and the Coriolis force.23
* Thermohaline circulation (THC): This is a much slower circulation driven by differences in temperature and salinity. It extends to the seafloor and involves the sinking of dense, cold water in polar regions and its gradual upwelling elsewhere.3

These currents are essential for the global climate system, exchanging heat and salinity and influencing weather patterns.14

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subpolar gyre
…area of cyclonic ocean circulation that sits beneath a persistent region of low atmospheric pressure. In contrast to subtropical gyres, the movement of ocean water within the Ekman layer of subpolar gyres forces upwelling and surface water divergence.
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…area of cyclonic ocean circulation that sits beneath a persistent region of low atmospheric pressure. In contrast to subtropical gyres, the movement of ocean water within the Ekman layer of subpolar gyres forces upwelling and surface water divergence.
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subtropical gyre
…area of anticyclonic ocean circulation that sits beneath a region of subtropical high pressure. The movement of ocean water within the Ekman layer of these gyres forces surface water to sink, giving rise to the subtropical convergence near 20°–30° latitude.
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…area of anticyclonic ocean circulation that sits beneath a region of subtropical high pressure. The movement of ocean water within the Ekman layer of these gyres forces surface water to sink, giving rise to the subtropical convergence near 20°–30° latitude.
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