Ocean currents are large-scale movements of seawater that flow in a specific direction and play a crucial role in the Earth's climate and weather patterns. The ocean currents in the five big oceans of the world play an essential role in distributing the massive amount of heat, moisture, nutrients, and gases. The major ocean currents roughly follow a common set of circular paths. While wind drives surface ocean currents from the Coriolis effect, temperature and salt gradients mostly influence deep ocean currents . Learn how ocean currents are driven by winds, water density, tides, and Earth's rotation, and how they affect climate, ecosystems, and fisheries. Explore interactive maps, lesson plans, videos, and more from NOAA.
