surface current
Quick Summary
Surface currents are horizontal movements of ocean water driven by wind friction, gravity, and density variations. These currents play a crucial role in transferring heat from equatorial regions to the poles, significantly influencing coastal climates.1
The general pattern of ocean circulation is influenced by prevailing winds, landmasses, and Earth's rotation. In the Northern Hemisphere, wind-driven circulation creates large, spiraling current cells called gyres, which form strong western boundary currents like the Gulf Stream. In contrast, eastern boundary currents are found on the western coasts of continents in the Southern Hemisphere.23
These currents are measured using Lagrangian methods (tracking water parcels) and Eulerian methods (measuring flow at fixed points). Understanding ocean currents is vital for comprehending global climate patterns and the exchange of heat and salinity within the world's oceans.41
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
Pacific OceanSalinity…caused by seasonal changes in surface currents.
Read More…caused by seasonal changes in surface currents.
Read More
Bering Sea and StraitHydrologyThe Attu, Tanaga, and Transverse currents carry the warm water to the northwest. The Transverse Current, proceeding along the Asian continental slope in the direction of Cape Navarin, branches in two: one branch forms the Lawrence Current moving northward, and the other joins the Anadyr Current, which in turn gives…
Read MoreThe Attu, Tanaga, and Transverse currents carry the warm water to the northwest. The Transverse Current, proceeding along the Asian continental slope in the direction of Cape Navarin, branches in two: one branch forms the Lawrence Current moving northward, and the other joins the Anadyr Current, which in turn gives…
Read More