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Surface currents are large streams of moving water in the oceans, primarily driven by wind and affecting depths of several hundred meters. The Coriolis effect plays a crucial role in their movement. These currents influence the climate of coastal regions by warming or cooling the air above them. Deep currents, resulting from differences in water density, transport cold water from the poles to the equator and help circulate water globally. Additionally, upwelling brings vital nutrients and organisms from deeper waters to the surface, supporting marine ecosystems.
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Currents and Climate Section 4
Surface Currents • Current is the large stream of moving water that flows through the oceans • Surface currents, which affect water to a depth of several hundred meters, are driven mainly by winds • Coriolis effect • Effects on climate • A surface current warms or cools the air above it, influencing the climate of the land near the coast • El Nino
Deep Currents • These deep currents are caused by differences in the density of ocean water • Deep currents move the mix water around the world. They carry cold water from the poles toward the equator
Upwelling • Upwelling brings up tiny ocean organisms, minerals, and other nutrients from the deeper layers of the water. Without this motion, the surface waters of the open ocean would be very scarce in nutrients
