driftnivån

Driftnivån, also known as the drifting line or drifting depth, is a concept in oceanography and coastal engineering. It refers to the depth below which the water motion is influenced by the Coriolis force due to Earth's rotation. This affects the direction and speed of ocean currents and waves.

At depths above the driftnivån, water motion is primarily influenced by wind and other near-surface factors. As the water depth increases, the Coriolis force takes over, leading to changes in the direction and speed of currents and waves. Below the driftnivån, the water motion becomes more orderly, with currents flowing in known directions.

The driftnivån is generally located around 100-500 meters below sea level, but this varies depending on the location and the strength of ocean currents. At this depth, the water speed increases with the distance from the coast, reflecting the gradual investment of the Coriolis force.

Understanding the driftnivån is crucial for coastal engineering projects, such as offshore construction, navigation, and coastal protection. It also helps in predicting the movement of pollutants, sediments, and living organisms in the ocean. The driftnivån has its importance also in the context of coastal erosion and deposition processes, where adequate understanding of ocean currents is vital.

While the concept of the driftnivån is not a commonly discussed topic, it remains an essential aspect of the physics of oceanography, especially for professionals working with ocean currents and waves.