Wind and Currents Heat from the sun makes wind. Wind causes currents and waves. Winds are named based on where they start.

Motion in the Ocean Coriolis Effect This effect is caused by the rotation of the Earth. Anything that moves on the surface tends to move to one side. Winds in the northern hemisphere blow to the right and winds in the southern hemisphere blow to the left.

Global Wind Systems Trade Winds Ground-level winds that flow toward the equator Air rises at the equator and sinks at 30 due to temperature differences.

Prevailing Westerlies Winds that occur between 30 and 60 degrees latitude. The air moves towards the poles and appears to curve to the east. Causes U.S. weather patterns.

Polar Easterlies Winds that occur at 60 degrees latitude. They are formed when the air over the poles cools and sinks, flowing away from the Earth's poles toward the west.

Gyres Gyres – major surface currents. They help regulate Earth’s temp by carrying warm water north and cold water south.

Where do we find Kelp and Coral? Kelp – found on the eastern side of gyres when cold water moves toward the equator. Corals – found on the western side of gyres when warm water moves northward.

Ekman Transport Ekman Transport – moves water 90 degrees from the wind direction. This mixes ocean water.