Factors responsible for Oceanic Currents

Factors responsible for Oceanic Currents:-

1. Rotation of the Earth

2. Temperature differences:

Low density water moves from equator towards pole as surface current and high density water moves toward equator from pole as sub surface current.

3. Salinity differences:

Less saline water moves towards more saline water as surface current and More saline water moves towards less saline water as sub surface current.

4. Density differences:

It depends on temperature, salinity pressure, etc.
5. Air Pressure:

Low air pressure areas have higher volume of water and higher water level so it moves towards High air pressure areas where volume of water and water level is low.

6. Winds:

The wind blowing on the water surface moves the water in its direction due to its friction with water.

7. Rainfall and Evaporation:

Water of the areas having high rainfall and low evaporation moves towards the areas where low rainfall and high evaporation.
8. Direction, Shape and Configuration of coast lines:

In coastal areas ocean current flows parallel to the coast line as it obstructs the natural flow direction of ocean currents

9. Bottom Reliefs

The submarine ridges usually deflect the course of currents

10. Seasonal Variations:

Oceanic currents shows changes in the flow of their direction according to Regions of monsoon climate. for e.g. Indian Ocean