Define the following terms: Current and Gyre

Answer 1

1. Current: A current refers to the continuous flow of a fluid, usually water or air, in a specific direction. Currents can occur on a variety of scales, ranging from small-scale oceanic currents to large-scale atmospheric currents. They are driven by various factors such as temperature differences, wind patterns, and gravitational forces. Currents play a crucial role in Earth's climate system, ocean circulation, and the transport of heat, nutrients, and other substances.

2. Gyre: A gyre is a large system of circulating ocean currents created by the combined effects of wind, Coriolis forces, and the shape of the ocean basins. Gyres tend to form in five main areas of the world's oceans, known as major gyres: the North Atlantic Gyre, South Atlantic Gyre, North Pacific Gyre, South Pacific Gyre, and Indian Ocean Gyre. These gyres circulate in a clockwise direction in the Northern Hemisphere and counterclockwise in the Southern Hemisphere. They are responsible for the movement of vast amounts of water and contribute to the distribution of heat and nutrients in the oceans. In addition, gyres play a role in the accumulation of marine debris, such as the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, where floating plastic accumulates due to the circular movement of the currents.