What Causes Wind-Driven Currents?

What are Currents?

A current is defined as a large mass of ocean water that is in constant motion. Among the currents in the five oceans are the well-known California Current, Gulf Stream, North Atlantic, Atlantic South, Equatorial and the Westwind Drift (according to Greene, Thomas F. 1998. Marine Science). There are three main types of currents: vertical, ocean bottom and wind-driven.

Wind-Driven Currents

In wind-driven currents, the wind exerts a certain amount of force on the surface of the water, causing it to move. In some of the more well-known wind-driven currents, like the jet stream, the current can get quite strong from the same persistent wind blowing in the same direction over a long period. The strength and depth of the current is largely dependent on the strength and power behind the wind.

Strength of Wind-Driven Currents

A scientist can easily determine the strength and speed of a wind-driven current by the strength and speed of the wind. The speed of a current is discovered by taking 2 percent of the wind speed. This speed of the current is taken in a measurement called knots. 1 knot equals about 1.15 mph.

Effects of Wind-Driven Currents

Wind-driven currents help both the life of the ocean, as well as our lives on land. Wind-driven currents are largely to thank for the renewable wind current energy that supplements some of the power we use daily. Since wind energy is clean and renewable, it helps us protect the environment. Wind energy also helps all living things in the oceans as well. Wind currents shift nutrients and food along the ocean current to help feed its inhabitants, as well as help in the process of oceanic photosynthesis.