Question

1. Compare the direction of the currents in the North Pacific Ocean with those of the South Pacific Ocean. How are they alike and similar? Explain the reason for the similarities and differences.
And if you can, please answer this. If you cant, thanks anyways.

2. What relationship between wind and ocean currents do you notice after observing your map?

Answer 1

1. The currents in North Pacific gyre rotate more or less clockwise while those of South Pacific rotate counter-clockwise. This is mainly due to the Coriolis effect brought about by the rotation of the earth. Currents above the equator are deflected from west to east while those in the south, east to west.

2. Winds are the main driver of ocean currents because they cause frictional drag on the surface of the oceans in the direction in which the blow. These winds also cause Ekman spirals that are 90 degrees right to the wind direction in the Northern hemisphere and 90 degrees left to the winds in the southern hemisphere.