THE TYPES OF OCEAN CURRENTS

THE TYPES OF OCEAN CURRENTS

WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF OCEAN CURRENTS?

Based on the temperature there are two types: -

1. Warm currents
2. Cold currents

Warm Currents

• These currents start from the equator and flow towards the poles.
• These bring warm water into colder areas.
• These are observed on the east coast in mid and low latitudes.
• These are found on the west coasts in high latitudes.

Cold Currents

• These currents start from the polar region and flow towards the equator.
• Cold currents bring cold water into warmer areas.
• These are found on the west coast in the low and middle latitudes.
• These re found on the east coast in the higher latitudes.
   

Based on the depth there are two types: -

1. Surface currents
2. Deep water currents

Surface currents  

• These are about 10% of the ocean water.
• These are driven by the blowing wind.

Deep water currents

• These are about 90% of the ocean water.
• These are driven by variation in the density and gravity.
   

What are the Various Ocean Currents across the Globe?

Humboldt or Peruvian Current:

• This is a low-salinity current.
• It serves as one of the major nutrient systems of the world.
• Flows from the southernmost tip of Chile to northern Peru.

Kurile or Oyashio Current:

• This is sub-arctic ocean current.
• It circulates in a counterclockwise direction.
• It originates in the Arctic Ocean.
• It is a nutrient-rich current.

California Current:

• It is flows along the west coast of North America in a southward flowing direction.
• It is a part of North Pacific Gyre.
• Region of strong Upwelling.

Labrador Current:

• It flows from the Arctic Ocean towards the south.
• The combination of cold Labrador Current and warm Gulf Stream create one of the richest fishing grounds of the world.

Canary Current:

• Low salinity current.
• It connects the Arctic directly to the North Atlantic.
• It is a major contributor to sea-ice exporter out of the Arctic.

Benguela Current:

• It is present Eastern portion of South Atlantic Ocean.
• It has Low salinity.
• It is excellent fishing zone.

Falkland Current:

• It is a branch of Antarctic Circumpolar Current.
• This cold current mixes with warm Brazil current.

Northeast Monsoon Current:

• Indian North Equatorial Current flows southwest and west, crossing the Equator.

Somali Current:

• This Current is heavily influenced by monsoon.
• Region of major upwelling system.

Kuroshio Current:

• This is also known as Japan current or Black Current.
• It is analogue of the Gulf Stream in the Atlantic Ocean.
• The average surface temperature of this current is warmer than the surrounding ocean.

Florida Current:

• It flows around Florida Peninsula.
• It joins the Gulf Stream.

Gulf Stream:

• This current is driven mainly by wind.
• It splits into North Atlantic Drift and Canary Current.

Norwegian Current:

• This is wedge-shaped current.
• It is a branch of North Atlantic Drift.

Brazilian Current:

• It flows along the south coast of Brazil.
• It joins the cold Falkland.

Mozambique Current:

• It flows along the African east coast in the Mozambique Channel.