EVERYDAY SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -Wind patterns and the rotation of Earth cause spiral or circular currents to form in the ocean. These currents are called gyres. An ocean gyre is a large system of circular ocean currents formed by global wind patterns and forces created by Earth’s rotation.

Detailed explanation-2: -A gyre is a large system of rotating ocean currents. Wind, tides, and differences in temperature and salinity drive ocean currents. The ocean churns up different types of currents, such as eddies, whirlpools, or deep ocean currents. Larger, sustained currents-the Gulf Stream, for example-go by proper names.

Detailed explanation-3: -Surface currents in the ocean are driven by global wind systems that are fueled by energy from the Sun. Patterns of surface currents are determined by wind direction, Coriolis forces from the Earth’s rotation, and the position of landforms that interact with the currents.

Detailed explanation-4: -Thermohaline circulation drives a global-scale system of currents called the “global conveyor belt.” The conveyor belt begins on the surface of the ocean near the pole in the North Atlantic. Here, the water is chilled by arctic temperatures.

Detailed explanation-5: -Tropical gyres. All of the world’s larger gyres. Subtropical gyres. Subtropical gyres are formed by an intricate process involving both Coriolis force and Ekman transport. Subpolar gyres. Subpolar gyres form at high latitudes (around 60°).