Class 11 Geography Chapter 13 Movements of Ocean Water Solution

Class 11 Geography Chapter 13 Movements of Ocean Water Solution

The movement of ocean water is a dynamic process influenced by various factors, including winds, temperature, salinity, and the Earth’s rotation. In this chapter, we explore the different movements of ocean water and their significance in shaping Earth’s climate and marine ecosystems.

Ocean currents play a fundamental role in redistributing heat around the globe, affecting regional and global climate patterns. These currents are primarily driven by two factors: wind and density differences. Surface currents, also known as wind-driven currents, are influenced by prevailing winds, such as the trade winds and westerlies. These winds push surface waters, causing them to move in specific directions.

The Coriolis effect, a result of the Earth’s rotation, also influences the direction of ocean currents. In the Northern Hemisphere, currents tend to veer to the right, while in the Southern Hemisphere, they veer to the left. This effect leads to the formation of major ocean currents, such as the Gulf Stream, the Kuroshio Current, and the Antarctic Circumpolar Current.