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Ocean currents play a vital role in the Earth's climate and marine ecosystems. Surface currents, making up approximately 10% of the ocean, are found within the upper 400 meters and are primarily driven by wind. In contrast, the remaining 90% consists of thermohaline circulation, driven by density differences due to varying temperatures and salinity. Deep water currents form when dense water sinks in high latitude regions, affecting global oceanic movements and climate patterns. Understanding these currents is essential for marine science and climate studies.
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Surface Circulation These waters make up about 10% of all the water in the ocean. These waters are the upper 400 meters of the ocean Surface Currents--
Thermohaline Circulation These waters make up the other 90% of the ocean These waters move around the ocean basins by density driven forces and gravity. The density difference is a function of different temperatures and salinity These deep waters sink into the deep ocean basins at high latitudes where the temperatures are cold enough to cause the density to increase. Deep Water Currents--
