oceanic circulation

Describe

• currents follow loops or gyres

• they move clockwise in the north atlantic

• warm currents travel from the equator towards the poles, for example, the North Atlantic drift

• cold currents return cool water from the poles, for example the Labrador current.

Explain

• ocean currents are greatly influenced by the prevailing winds, with energy being transferred by friction to the ocean currents.

• land masses like North America divert ocean currents.

• the coriolis effect deflects currents to the right in the northern hemisphere.