ocean currents

ocean currents

an ocean current is like a river flowing through the ocean

ocean currents occur due to

- the difference in temperature

- the earth rotating on its axis

- wind

warm currents

Originate in tropical waters, and bring unusually warm conditions to the higher latitudes affected by them.

example of warm currents

Gulf Stream Mexico north eastwards Atlantic ocean where it splits to form North Atlantic drift and cod canary current the (NAD) flows past the west coast of ireland

cold currents

Currents that originate in high latitudes can greatly modify the temperatures of coastal areas as far inland as 100 km.

example of cold current

Labrador Current which flows south along the coast of Northeast America