Tengeráramlások

Tengeráramlások refer to the continuous, directed movement of seawater. These currents are driven by a variety of factors including wind, differences in water density (due to temperature and salinity variations), and the Earth's rotation. They are a fundamental component of the Earth's climate system, playing a crucial role in distributing heat and nutrients across the globe.

Surface currents, primarily driven by prevailing winds, are responsible for transporting heat from equatorial regions towards the poles, moderating global temperatures. For example, the Gulf Stream is a powerful surface current that significantly warms Western Europe. In contrast, deep ocean currents, also known as thermohaline circulation, are driven by differences in water density. Colder, saltier water is denser and sinks, initiating a slow, global conveyor belt that circulates water throughout the world's oceans over hundreds or even thousands of years.

The movement of these currents influences weather patterns, marine ecosystems, and the distribution of marine life. They transport plankton, larvae, and nutrients, supporting food webs and shaping the habitats of countless species. Understanding tengeráramlások is vital for predicting climate change impacts, managing fisheries, and navigating the oceans. Changes in current patterns can have profound and far-reaching consequences for both marine environments and human societies.