MOVEMENTS OF OCEAN WATER
The ocean water is dynamic, characterized by various movements influenced by physical properties like temperature, salinity, and external forces such as the sun, moon, and winds. These movements can be categorized into horizontal motions (ocean currents and waves) and vertical motions (tides).
Ocean Currents
Ocean currents represent the continuous flow of substantial volumes of water in specific directions due to various factors:
- Primary Forces: Solar heating, wind interaction, gravity, and Coriolis effect.
- Types: Surface currents (upper 400m of ocean) and deep water currents, influenced by variations in density (cold vs. warm water).
Waves
Waves are energy movements where water particles exhibit circular motions rather than traveling with the wave itself. The energy comes mainly from the wind. Waves transform as they approach the shore due to friction with the seabed and can vary in height and period based on wind strength and distance traveled.
Tides
Tides entail periodic water level changes caused primarily by gravitational forces of the moon and sun, generating tidal bulges. Tides vary globally and can be classified into semi-diurnal, diurnal, and mixed tides based on frequency. Spring and neap tides depend on the sun and moon's alignment.
Understanding ocean movements is crucial for navigation, fishing, and even renewable energy generation through tidal power.