16.3 Ocean Currents

Gyre

A gyre is circular system of currents. The currents within the gyre move in the same direction. Gyres in the Northern Hemsphere move clockwise. Gyres in the Southern Hemisphere move counterclockwise.

Ocean Currents

Ocean currents are large volumes of water flowing in certain directions. When wind transfers energy to water, it forms waves.

Coriolis Effect

The Coriolis Effect is the movement of wind and water to the right or left that is caused by Earth's rotation. The Coriolis Eeffect causes fluids, such as air and water, to curve to the right in the Northern Hemisphere, in a clockwise direction. In the Southern Hemisphere, it's the opposite, fluids move to the left and in a counterclockwise direction.

Upwelling

Upwelling is the vertical movement of water toward the ocean's surface. Upwelling occurs when wind blows across the ocean's surface and pushes water away from an area.