Ocean Current Definition
An ocean current is a continuous, directed movement of sea water. It can be generated by wind, the Coriolis effect, or density.
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Climate Zones & Ocean Currents
Fun Facts
- A global system of ocean currents is created when water of low temperature and high salinity sinks to the ocean floor and is replaced by surface water, which then becomes cold and/or salty.
- Surface wind can create ocean currents about a hundred meters underwater.
- Ocean currents influence regional climates, since water stores heat that can be slowly distributed around the world.
Why Do We Need To Know About Ocean Current
Learning about ocean currents helps us understand why oceans are important for all the sea animals and plants. Ocean currents move water around, which carries food and tiny living things across the sea. This helps feed different sea creatures and keeps the ocean healthy. Scientists who study the ocean use this information to learn more about sea life, from the smallest plankton to the biggest whales, and how they live together in the ocean.
This knowledge is also useful for studying the weather and the air around us. By knowing about ocean currents, scientists can figure out how pollution moves in the air and how to stop bad things from happening to our environment. Understanding ocean currents is important not just for studying the ocean but also for keeping our planet safe.
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