Ekman transport
Ekman transport refers to the movement of water in the ocean due to wind effects. When wind blows across the ocean's surface, it creates friction that causes the upper layer of water to move. However, due to the Earth's rotation (the Coriolis effect), this surface water drifts at an angle relative to the wind direction. As a result, deeper layers of water are also affected, leading to a spiral movement. This process causes water to be transported away from or toward coastal areas, influencing ocean currents, weather patterns, and marine ecosystems.
Additional Insights
-
Ekman Transport refers to the phenomenon in oceanography where wind blowing across the surface of the sea causes water to move at an angle to the wind direction. This occurs due to the Coriolis effect, which makes moving water veer to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere. As a result, the surface water moves in a spiral, causing deeper layers of water to move in a different direction. This process is important for understanding ocean currents, upwelling, and how nutrients are distributed in marine environments.