OCEAN CURRENTS
BY RYAN HENSON
HOW DO OCEAN CURRENTS FORM?
Ocean currents form becuase of the coriolis effect. it is wind-driven and caused by friction between wind and water. the coriolis effect affects direction of the water movement creating different currents and streams.
WHAT IS THE CORIOLIS EFFECT?
the wind blows the water, but then water is deflected clockwise or counter-clockwise. it moves the currents different ways forming gyres. gyres are massive circular systems of wind driven surface currents- most gyres patterns happen in the atlantic, pacific, and indian oceans.
WHAT ARE EDDIES?
Eddies (also called warm core rings) break off of currents and transport tropical organisms to long island waters.You may have seen an eddy if you've ever gone canoeing and you see a small whirlpool of water while you paddle. The swirling motion of eddies in the ocean cause nutrients that are normally found in colder, deeper waters to come to the surface.
THE GULF STREAM
The gulf stream current is the strongest current on earth and it is located in the north atlantic. seperates cold northern water from warmer water in the saragos sea. discovered by benjamin franklin this current has been known to travel ships faster in the water, unless your going towards the current (your gonna have a tough time)