Ocean Currents
Continuous, directed large-scale movements of seawater generated by wind stress, Coriolis force, temperature, salinity differences, and tides.
Governing formula
Geostrophic Ocean Flow: 2 Ω sin φ v_ocean = (1 / ρ) (dP / dx)
SI unit
Sv (Sverdrups = 10⁶ m³/s) or m/s
In depth
Surface ocean currents are driven primarily by planetary wind belts and deflected by the Coriolis force into circular subtropical gyres. They redistribute vast amounts of heat from the tropics toward the poles.
Examples in the real world
The Gulf Stream transporting ~30 Sverdrups of warm water across the North Atlantic, moderating Western Europe's climate.