Basics of Ocean Currents

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What are ocean currents?

Ocean currents are large masses of surface seawater that move in regular patterns around the oceans.

What causes ocean currents?

Ocean currents are caused by wind patterns, the Earth's rotation, salinity differences, and temperature differences in the water.

Name two types of ocean currents.

The two types of ocean currents are surface currents and deep-water currents.

How do surface currents influence climate?

Surface currents regulate climate by transporting warm water from the equator to the poles and vice versa, influencing weather patterns.

What is the Gulf Stream?

The Gulf Stream is a warm Atlantic Ocean current that originates in the Gulf of Mexico and flows northward along the eastern coast of the United States.


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