Key Points: Ocean Surface Circulation
- Evaporation from the ocean surface supplies the majority of atmospheric water and is a major part of the global water cycle.
- Global wind patterns primarily drive ocean surface circulation.
- The Coriolis Effect, caused by the Earth’s rotation, along with continents, creates 5 large gyres or circles of ocean surface circulation as well as several other smaller currents.
- Ocean surface circulation helps transfer energy from the equator to the poles and is important in the Earth’s overall heat budget.
