PhysicsChapter 10: Earth's Climate
Ocean Currents — Surface and Deep
Ocean currents
Definition
Ocean currents are large-scale movements of seawater that redistribute heat, salt and other properties around the planet.
Surface Currents
Ocean circulation can be divided broadly into surface currents and deep currents. Surface currents are mainly influenced by: winds; Earth's rotation; coastline shape; ocean-basin geometry. They move warm and cold water over large distances.
Deep Currents
Deep circulation is influenced strongly by density differences caused by temperature and salinity. Cold, salty water is generally denser and can sink.
Climate Importance
Ocean currents redistribute heat. Warm currents can make nearby regions milder. Cold currents can cool nearby coastal regions.
Formula / Key Relation
A useful density idea is: **Greater density → greater tendency to sink** Density depends on temperature and salinity.
Exam preparation
Exam Focus
Quick revision
Revision Zone
Review the key facts, formulas and checks before you move on.Ocean Currents — Surface and Deep
Sticky Notes · Quick Revision
OCEAN CURRENTS
- Surface → wind
- Deep → density
- Both → move heat
60-second revision
- Ocean currents redistribute heat.
- Surface and deep currents have different main drivers.
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