What are ocean currents? Discuss the ways it influences human behaviour.

Three key factors influence the movement of ocean currents: wind, water density variations, and tides.

• Tides and Tidal Currents: The rise and fall of tides create currents, especially strong near coastlines, bays, and estuaries. These predictable "tidal currents" follow a regular pattern and can be forecast for future dates.

• Wind-Driven Currents: Winds have a powerful influence on currents flowing near the ocean's surface. Coastal winds can generate localized currents, such as coastal upwelling where nutrient-rich deep water rises to the surface.

• Thermohaline Circulation: This large-scale circulation system is driven by density differences in the ocean. Temperature (thermal) and salinity (haline) variations cause water density to change across different regions. This density contrast creates a slow-moving conveyor belt of deep and shallow currents that are much slower than tidal or surface currents.

Impact of Ocean Currents on Climate and Human Activities

Ocean currents exert a profound influence on climate and human activities, shaping the environmental conditions along coastlines and impacting various socio-economic sectors. Here's an overview of their effects:

Temperature Regulation:

Cool ocean currents along the west coasts of continents in tropical and subtropical latitudes moderate temperatures, resulting in relatively modest average temperatures with limited diurnal and yearly fluctuations. Despite arid landscapes, fog is common in these regions.

Conversely, warm ocean currents bordering the west coastlines of continents at the middle and higher latitudes create distinct marine climates characterized by pleasant summers, generally warm winters, and narrow yearly temperature ranges.

Climate Patterns:

Warm currents moving parallel to the east coasts of continents in tropical and subtropical latitudes contribute to warm and rainy climates, particularly on the western borders of subtropical anticyclones.

Ecological Impact:

Mixing of warm and cold ocean currents facilitates oxygen replenishment and promotes the growth of plankton, the primary food source for fish populations. These mixing zones, often found at the convergence of warm and cold currents, serve as some of the world's best fishing grounds.

Other Points to Consider 

What happens if AMOC collapses?

Difference between warm currents and cold currents

Location of important water currents