Ocean Currents

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Ocean Currents

• are primarily caused by

• ocean currents are driven by the global wind
  patterns
• and are turned by Coriolis

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• Sargasso SeaColumbus

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Sargasso Seafloating algae
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El Niño

• a temporary change in the climate of planet
  earth that
• begins with a disruption of normal
  circulation of the
• South Pacific STH

• warming of waters off west coast of Peru,
  traditionally
• named El Niño by Peruvian fisherman

• ENSOEl Niño Southern Oscillation

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• Normal conditions
• High pressure is strong over the South Pacific
• SE Tradewinds blow toward equator
• Upwelling occurs along coast of S. America
• Eastern Pacific is dry western Pacific receives
  rainfall

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Upwelling along S. American coast
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• ENSO conditions
• High pressure weakens over the South Pacific
• SE Tradewinds weaken or even stop
• Upwelling stops along coast of S. America
• Eastern Pacific is wet western Pacific is dry

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http//www.cdc.noaa.gov/ENSO/