What are 3 causes of surface currents?

Surface currents are created by three things: global wind patterns, the rotation of the Earth, and the shape of the ocean basins. Surface currents are extremely important because they distribute heat around the planet and are a major factor influencing climate around the globe.

What is the main source and cause of surface currents?

Large-scale surface ocean currents are driven by global wind systems that are fueled by energy from the sun. These currents transfer heat from the tropics to the polar regions, influencing local and global climate.

What is the cause of most surface current?

A number of natural conditions and processes generate ocean surface currents, including wind, temperature gradients, gravity, differences in salinity and earthquakes.

What causes surface currents quizlet?

Surface currents occur at the surface of the ocean and are caused by global winds; the Gulf Stream is an example. Deep currents occur deep in the ocean and are influenced by water density, salinity, and temperature. Winds and currents flow faster at the equator than at the poles.

What is the most important cause of surface currents?

Wind is the most important cause of surface currents. When strong, sustained winds blow across the sea, friction drags a thin layer of water into motion. The movement of the very topmost layer of the sea pulls on the water just beneath, which then in turn starts the layer under it moving.

What are the three factors of surface currents?

13 Causes of Ocean Surface Circulation Currents Trade Winds. Trade winds are the winds that blow in the direction from east to west. Westerlies. Westerlies are winds that are similar to the Trade winds. Coriolis Forces. Landform Position. Density Differences. Temperature. Salinity of ocean water. Ocean Storms. Underwater Earthquake. Gulf Stream Wind.

What are the factors that influence surface ocean currents?

Oceanic currents are driven by three main factors: The rise and fall of the tides. Tides create a current in the oceans, which are strongest near the shore, and in bays and estuaries along the coast. Wind. Winds drive currents that are at or near the ocean’s surface. Thermohaline circulation.

What causes the continuous flow of surface currents?

Surface currents are usually caused by the wind. As the wind changes, the current may change as well. Currents are also influenced by the rotation of the Earth called the Coriolis effect. This causes currents to flow clockwise in the northern hemisphere and counter clockwise in the southern hemisphere .