These waters move around the ocean basins by density driven forces and gravity. A davis drifter is an instrument designed to measure winddriven surface currents. An ocean current is a continuous movement of ocean water from one place to another. Ocean currents are created by wind, water temperature, salt content, and the gravity of the moon. The oceanic currents are classified according to the force that makes them. Jun 06, 2017 just to add in another factor, there are two types of currents, surface currents, and deepwater currents. Directions of ocean currents the direction is influenced by many different factors. Aug 24, 2017 ocean current is the general movement of a mass of water in a fairly defined direction over great direction ocean currents sometimes called as ocean rivers ocean currents based on temperature currents are two types 1. Oceanic currents are the movement of water from one location to another. This paper is a summary of a literature study on ocean currents, how currents are generated, what types of currents to expect on the norwegian continental shelf and the velocities of these currents. Ocean currents and mixing by winds and waves can transport and redistribute heat to deeper ocean layers. The pdf is compiled by clearias, so the credit goes to them.
There are different types of movements of ocean water under the influence of different physical characteristics like temperature, salinity, density, etc. The two basic types of currents surface and deepwater currents help define the character and flow of ocean waters across the planet. Geostrophic currents surface ocean circulation subtropicl gyre boundary current deep ocean circulation thermohaline conveyor belt ess200a prof. There are two types of currents, surface currents and deep water currents, that dictate how and where water will move. The gulf stream, a warm ocean current, has a different effect on the climate of new york city and the surrounding coastal areas. Ocean currents are massive currents that are influenced by a variety of different forces that act to propel the water both on the surface and in deep ocean waters. In the bottom case circulation is given by density d. The module focuses on the driving mechanisms for currents, along with influences that modify existing currents. Ocean currents 433 system is moving through space at an unknown speed. Currents driven by thermohaline circulation occur at both deep and shallow ocean levels and move much slower than tidal or surface currents. Waves are formed due to friction between wind and surface water layer.
Ocean current is the general movement of a mass of water in a fairly defined direction over great direction ocean currents sometimes called as ocean rivers ocean currents based on temperature currents are two types 1. Ocean flows at surface and 2000 meters below sea level. Currents overview lesson 8 presents the mechanisms that drive surface and deep ocean currents. Ocean currents, waves and tides types and causes with. The waters of the oceans are constantly on the move. Page1 reading activity to introduce students to the basics of ocean currents. Movements of ocean water are also affected by external forces like the sun, moon and the winds. Today wer sharing notes on ocean currents one of the most important topics of geography for ssc. Generally speaking, the fact of the lesson is that warmer ocean currents produce warmer weather, while cooler ocean currents have the opposite effect. What causes ocean currents ocean exploration facts.
Jan 22, 2017 it consists of 37 pdf slides that are colorful. Causes of ocean currents the movement of ocean water is. Finally, we will look at different ways in which we can measure ocean currents. Warm currents warm ocean currents flow away from the equatorial region on the western side of ocean basins. Mar 05, 2019 list of ocean currents of the world oceans are the lifeline of the earth and humankind because it plays an important role in the earths climate and in global warming. Currents are generally measured in meters per second or knots, where 1 knot equals 1. Surface currents are those found in the upper 400 meters 1,300 feet of the ocean and make up about 10% of all the water in the ocean. Scientists study currents to learn more about how the ocean works mechanically, as well as using the speed and location of currents as a way to measure changes in large bodies of water. The gulf stream in the north atlantic and the kuroshio current in the north pacific are examples of warm currents. Waves, currents and tides are of vital significance among various types of oceanic movements. Pull pull density of ocean water changes in 2 ways.
Ocean currents and climate home department of earth. An overview of ocean currents and how they circulate. Ocean current, stream made up of horizontal and vertical components of the circulation system of ocean waters that is produced by gravity, wind friction, and water density variation in different parts of the ocean. The main sources for this study have been pond and pickard 2000, bearman 1989. It is a significant pacific and the atlantic ocean current that flows from east to west. With the above points, you can find the nature of almost all currents. Having covered the fundamentals, we shall see in this post, a superfast way to learn the details of ocean currents.
No means are available fox determining absolute motion, but this is of no concern, because theobserved largescale motion of the atmosphere and the sea can be adequately described by. The ocean currents brings different water masses in contact. In oceans and other water bodies, the motion of the water is defined by currents. W o r l d o c e a n c i r c u l a t i o n e x p e r i m e n t. The module focuses on the driving mechanisms for currents. No means are available fox determining absolute motion, but this is of no concern, because theobserved largescale motion of the atmosphere and the sea can be adequately described by means of the simple equations if the. Now, thats the only quick notes you need to learn the flow pattern of ocean currents. Jul 21, 2019 surface currents are those found in the upper 400 meters 1,300 feet of the ocean and make up about 10% of all the water in the ocean.
Pictures and diagrams are included that will greatly enhance your explanation to your students. Nov 26, 2012 human designed so many machines that can measure the depth and life within the ocean. They represent a regular volume of water in a definite path and direction. Surface currents are mostly caused by the wind because it creates friction as it moves over the water. Ocean current, stream made up of horizontal and vertical components of the circulation system of ocean waters that is produced by. These surface currents also affect wave and land formations. Chapter iv major types of ocean currents in the following sections special types of motion in the ocean will be considered. Download ocean currents geography notes pdf admin may 23, 2019.
Surface currents are mostly caused by the w ind because it creates friction as it moves over the water. Pdf ocean currents types and causes of currents hafez. Deep currents movement of water far below the surface of the ocean that are caused by changes in density. This friction then forces the water to move in a spiral pattern, creating gyres. Oceanic currents are important to life on earth because they redistribute water, heat, nutrients, and oxygen around the globe. Ocean currents can be caused by wind, density differences in water masses caused by temperature and salinity variations, gravity, and events such as earthquakes or storms.
Covers types of currents surface and deep and the role of ocean currents and the planet. The sails extend out from the body as four pairs of cloth or vinyl arms with about 3. World water day march 22 the movements that occur in oceans are categorized as. Students should be taking no tes as they watch the video. Surface currents, which include coastal currents and surface ocean currents, are driven primarily by winds youre likely familiar with coastal currents if youve ever gone to the beach. In this video, you will learn all about those things as well as tides, ocean currents and waves.
These waters are the upper 400 meters of the ocean. Ocean currents that occur at 328 feet 100 meters deep or above usually are classified as surface currents. May 23, 2019 download ocean currents geography notes pdf admin may 23, 2019. Just to add in another factor, there are two types of currents, surface currents, and deepwater currents. Didnt read two major kinds of currents define the planets oceans.
Both, however, tend to moderate the temperature more than inland. Ocean currents represent a regular volume of water in a definite path and direction. In the activity, students play a game focused on the primary surface current names and locations. Upon completion of video, students should begin to answer questions provided on the ocean currents worksheet. The currents tutorial is an overview of the types of currents, what causes them, how they are measured, and how they affect peoples lives. At the surface the wind, earth rotation, density gradients, gravity and pressure gradients determine the currents. Human designed so many machines that can measure the depth and life within the ocean. Have students begin watching ocean currents internet video lesson, 10 minutes. Ocean currents types, circulation patterns, theories. Ocean currents are influenced by two types of forces namely. Tides are, in fact, the most important of all the oceanic movements. Ocean currents are similar to winds in the atmosphere in that they transfer significant amounts of heat from earths equatorial. Surface currents in the ocean are driven by global wind systems that are fueled by energy from the sun. The process of global ocean circulation is presented, emphasizing the importance of this process for climate regulation.
Frictional forces are present in any type of current, although in some currents their effect may be less significant and can be ignored when compared to other forces. My units have been made to be both informative and visually stimulating for all students. Depth contours, shoreline configurations, and interactions with other currents influence a current s direction and strength. Learn about tides, ocean currents and waves youtube. This module discusses the origin of ocean currents in both the open ocean and in coastal areas. Of all the warm currents, the gulf stream has been studied most extensively. It also provides basic information about ocean currents,wave and tides. It also provides basic information about ocean currents,wave. In this video, you will learn all about those things as well as tides. The ocean in motion circulation in this program, students will learn about the driving forces responsible for ocean circulation. It gives information related to different types of ocean current in detail and causes of ocean currents. Ocean currents, waves and tides unit printable and. Depending on the character of forces that act upon a water body, and on the state of balance of these forces, the resulting motions can be different. The current s direction and speed depend on the shoreline and the ocean floor.
Deep ocean cold, dark, deep ocean where plenty supplies of. Surface currents consist of the first 1,300 feet of water and contain about 10% of the total volume of water in the oceans. Ocean currents and mixing by winds and waves can transport and redistribute heat to deeper ocean. The body, which is a waterproof tube about 3 feet long and 10 inches wide, holds the collectiontransmitter package. They can flow for thousands of miles and are found in all the major oceans of the world. Winds are able to move the top 400 meters of the ocean creating surface ocean currents. We will show a video clip showing sea level height and describe its connection to ocean circulation. In our geography notes on the hydrosphere, we have seen the major movements of the ocean water.
Chapter 7 chapter overview types of ocean currents. An overview of ocean currents with emphasis on currents on. Jinyi yu basic ocean structures upper ocean 100 m shallow, warm upper layer where light is abundant and where most marine life can be found. Chapter iv major types of ocean currents sciencedirect. Western boundary currents are warm, deep, narrow, and fast flowing currents that form on the west side of ocean basins due to western intensification. Horizontal currents arise mainly due to friction between wind and water. Ask students what types of things are carried around the planet by ocean currents. What are the different ocean currents that carry warm water give at least three examples. Engineering ocean currents is a fun and interactive activity that is designed. List of ocean currents of the world oceans are the lifeline of the earth and humankind because it plays an important role in the earths climate and in global warming. These waters make up about 10% of all the water in the ocean.
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