Ocean Waves and Ocean Currents
Ocean waves and ocean currents are fascinating to learn about. Waves are in constant motion. This endless ocean churning makes for a always changing environment. Winds help define currents, along with the bottom topography, and internal waves. Ocean currents in turn effect the wave patterns based on depth, speed and strength. Scientists can actually track the ocean currents based on things like wind and temperature, the height of waves and even differences in the color of the ocean. They've found that larger deeper waves mix into the water, and also effect ocean current. These internal waves along with surface waves can shift and change the current. (Source:Discovery) The wind forces a momentum of sort that lifts and pulls the ocean water, causing waves to swell. Based on the strenth of the winds, you'll find different sized waves. Here's a neat little piece of trivia: "Trade winds" blow from the east to the west. Return to Living Ocean from Ocean Waves and Ocean Currents
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