The currents have a great influence on the formation of the climate of the continents. In this publication, we will consider warm currents.
The concept
The sea current is the progressive movement of water masses in the sea and oceanic expanses, which is due to the action of various forces. Their direction largely depends on the axial rotation of the Earth.
According to various criteria, scientists distinguish several classifications of currents. In the article, we consider the temperature criterion, that is, warm and cold currents. In them, the water temperature, respectively, is higher or lower than the ambient level. In the warm - a few degrees higher, in the cold - lower. Warm currents are directed from warmer latitudes to less warmer ones, while cold ones - vice versa.
The first increase air temperature by three to four degrees and add precipitation. Others, on the contrary, reduce temperature and precipitation.
The average annual temperature of warm currents varies from +15 to +25 degrees. They are indicated on the map by red arrows indicating the direction of their movement. Below we consider what warm currents are in the oceans.
Gulfstream
One of the most famous warm sea currents, which transfers millions of tons of water every second. This is a powerful water stream, thanks to which a mild climate has formed in many European countries. It flows in the Atlantic Ocean along the coast of North America and reaches the island of Newfoundland.
The Gulf Stream is a whole system of warm currents of the Atlantic Ocean, the width of which reaches eighty kilometers. It is rightfully considered the most important element in the thermal regulation of the entire planet. Thanks to him, Ireland and England did not become a glacier.
In a collision with the Labrador Current, the Gulf Stream forms the so-called eddies in the ocean. Further, it partially loses its energy as a result of various factors, as a result of which the water flow is reduced.
Recently, some scientists say that the Gulf Stream has changed its direction. Now it is moving towards Greenland, creating a warmer climate in America and colder in Russian Siberia.
Kuroshio
Another of the warm currents, which is located in the Pacific Ocean near the Japanese coast. The name in the translation has the meaning "dark waters". It carries the warm waters of the seas to the northern latitudes, due to which the climatic conditions of the region are softened. The speed of the current ranges from two to six kilometers per hour, and the width reaches almost 170 kilometers. In summer, the water warms up to almost thirty degrees Celsius.
Kuroshio is very similar to the aforementioned Gulf Stream. It also significantly affects the formation of weather conditions in the Japanese islands of Kyushu, Honshu and Shikoku. In the west, there is a difference in surface water temperatures.
Brazilian current
Another current passing through the Atlantic Ocean. It is formed from the Equatorial Current and is located off the coast of South America, or rather, passes along the Brazilian coast. Therefore, it has such a name. At the Cape of Good Hope it changes its name to Transverse, and then off the coast of Africa to the Bengel (South African) current.
It speeds up to two to three kilometers per hour, and the water temperature ranges from eighteen to twenty-six degrees above zero. In the southeast, it encounters two cold currents - the Falkland and the westerly winds.
Guinean Current
Along the western African shores, a warm Guinean current slowly flows. In the Gulf of Guinea, it moves from west to east, and then turns south. Together with other currents, it forms a cycle in the Gulf of Guinea.
Average annual temperatures are 26-27 degrees Celsius above zero. When moving from west to east, the speed drops, in some places it reaches more than forty kilometers a day, sometimes it reaches almost ninety kilometers.
Its borders change throughout the year. In the summer, they expand, and the current shifts slightly to the north. In winter, on the contrary, it shifts to the south. The main source of food is the warm Southern trade winds. The Guinean current is superficial, as it does not penetrate deep into the water column.
Alaskan Current
Another warm current is in the Pacific Ocean. Included in the Kuroshio current system . Passing through the Gulf of Alaska, it falls in the north to the top of the bay and moves southwest. At this point, the current intensifies. Speed - from 0.2 to 0.5 meters per second. In summer, the water warms up to fifteen degrees above zero, and in February, the water temperature is two to seven degrees above zero.
It can go to great depths, right to the bottom. During the course there are seasonal changes caused by winds.
Thus, the article revealed the concept of "warm and cold currents", and also considered warm sea currents that form a warm climate on the continents. In combination with other currents, they can form whole systems.