Motion of the Ocean
How does the oceans move?
Causes of the Currents
The two major ways the currents get their motion is wind and water density.
When wind is created, uneven heating of the surface, wind blows across water and causes friction which sets the water in motion and creates currents.
Gyres
Ekman Transport
Upwelling and Downwelling
Downwelling is when higher density water is pushed down to the bottom.
Heat Transport and Climate
El Niño
Deep Circulation and Water Masses
Water Masses is a large area or body of water.
Ocean Conveyor Belt
How Do We Study Currents?
This is also called the float method. This is used by setting a object fitted with a tracking device and mapping the current and where that current flows.
Eulerian Method
This is also called the flow method. This is used by staying in one place and measuring the velocity of the water as it passes.
Satellite Method
This method is used by controlling a satellite and taking pictures of the sea floor and other areas.