GEOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Ocean currents are the continuous, predictable, directional movement of seawater driven by gravity, wind (Coriolis Effect ), and water density. Ocean water moves in two directions: horizontally and vertically. Horizontal movements are referred to as currents, while vertical changes are called upwellings or downwellings.

Detailed explanation-2: -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. Surface wind-driven currents generate upwelling currents in conjunction with landforms, creating deepwater currents.

Detailed explanation-3: -Density or gravity currents are simply currents set in motion by density differences, and (broadly speaking) where the flow is directed down the density gradient.

Detailed explanation-4: -Dense water sinks below less dense water. This is the principle that drives the deep ocean currents that circulate around the world. A combination of high salinity and low temperature near the surface makes seawater dense enough to sink into the deep ocean and flow along the bottom of the basins.

Detailed explanation-5: -Ocean currents are located at the ocean surface and in deep water below 300 meters (984 feet). They can move water horizontally and vertically, which occurs on local and global scales.