Warm current
Topic: Movements of Ocean Water: Waves, Tides and Currents · NCERT: Class 11, Ch 13 "Movements of Ocean Water"
Meaning
A warm current is an ocean current that carries warm water into colder areas. In low and middle latitudes, warm currents flow along the east coasts of continents, which gives those coasts a warm, rainy climate. In high northern latitudes, they flow along the west coasts. There they bring mild winters and keep ports free of ice. Like the winds, warm currents carry heat from the tropics towards the poles.
Example
The North Atlantic Drift, the extension of the Gulf Stream, keeps Britain and Norway mild in winter. Norwegian ports such as Hammerfest and Narvik stay ice-free, even though they lie far north of the Arctic Circle.
Don't confuse with
- Cold current: carries cold water into warmer areas and brings fog and dry weather. In low and middle latitudes, cold currents flow on west coasts, such as the Humboldt off Peru.
Related concepts
- Ocean current
- Forces driving ocean currents
- Ekman transport
- Gyre
- Surface currents
- Deep water currents
- Cold current