Ekman transport: Difference between revisions
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Ekman transport is a name given to the natural process by which each layer of water in the ocean drags with it the layer beneath. Thus the movement of each layer of water is affected by the movement of the layer above. Each successive layer feels the force of the surface layer a little less, sort of like the way words get jumbled in a game of telephone little by little as they pass from player to player. | |||
It is closely related to the [[Ekman spiral]], where winds blowing up and down coastal regions cause a seaward flow of surface water (perpendicular to the flow of wind), which creates the [[upwelling]] of deep nutrient rich sea water. This has the effect of creating good fishing regions along coasts where this phenomenon occurs. | |||
{{ocean-stub}} | {{ocean-stub}} | ||
Revision as of 13:11, 12 September 2006
Ekman transport is a name given to the natural process by which each layer of water in the ocean drags with it the layer beneath. Thus the movement of each layer of water is affected by the movement of the layer above. Each successive layer feels the force of the surface layer a little less, sort of like the way words get jumbled in a game of telephone little by little as they pass from player to player.
It is closely related to the Ekman spiral, where winds blowing up and down coastal regions cause a seaward flow of surface water (perpendicular to the flow of wind), which creates the upwelling of deep nutrient rich sea water. This has the effect of creating good fishing regions along coasts where this phenomenon occurs.