Examine Global Surface Currents

Surface currents in the ocean are primarily driven by the wind. Examine the relationship between global wind directions and the direction of surface currents. Notice that currents flowing toward the equator are generally cool and currents flowing away from the equator are warm.

  !   Move your cursor over the image to reveal the direction of global winds.

Modified from MapQuest.com

Used by permission of McDougal Littell, a division of Houghton Mifflin Company. Developed by TERC, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts.