Currents Of Our World!

Earths Main Currents

Ocean currents are continous directed movements of ocean water that flows in any of the earth's ocean. Currents are also forms of rivers of cold or hot water in the ocean. these currents are caused by the forces of the water in the earth's rotation, wind, temperature, and salinity differences and the gravity of the moon. other currents (such as the shoreline and depth contours) are influenced by the current's strength and direction. Currents contribute to the distribution of marine organisms around the earth. Currents stir the nutrients needed for marine life that have settled in deep waters. Currents also help move these organisms move around the ocean. If global warming increases, the ocean currents can become deadly. Warm currents will target icebergs and melt them. Scientists believe the disruption of these currents could actually bring the next ice age! The movement of ocean currents is influenced by changes in water density. Differences in water density associated with temperature and salinity play an important role in in shaping ocean currents.