Oceans Currents

Ocean currents are large-scale movements of water within the oceans, functioning much like vast rivers. The direction and flow of these currents depends on many factors, including Earth’s rotation, wind patterns, and variations in temperature and salinity. Ocean currents are categorized into two types: warm and cold. Cold currents originate in polar regions with cooler waters, while warm currents originate from equatorial regions. These currents also organize into large circular systems known as gyres. There are two types of gyres: larger subtropical gyres located near the equator and smaller subpolar gyres near the polar circles. Five major subtropical gyres are recognized: the North and South Atlantic Gyres, the North and South Pacific Gyres, and the Indian Ocean Gyre. In the Northern Hemisphere, currents circulate in a clockwise direction, whereas, in the Southern Hemisphere, they circulate counterclockwise. The North Indian Ocean is an exception due to the seasonal influence of monsoon winds. During the winter (November to March), the northeast monsoon blows from land toward the ocean, affecting the North Indian Ocean's Equatorial Current, also known as the Monsoon Drift. In summer (April to October), the wind reverses direction, with the southwest monsoon also inducing a reversal in current circulation. Ocean currents have a vital role in regulating climate, supporting marine biodiversity, aiding navigation, and influencing many other aspects of the Earth's systems.