Everyone knows that the ocean - it's not a static formation, the water is in constant motion.Sometimes it moves in the form of a broad stream, which scientists named by ocean currents.One of the major in the world is the North Atlantic Current, which will be discussed in this article.
ocean currents and their place in the geographical envelope of the Earth
sea (or ocean) for - is the flow of water masses with the same properties, dvizhushiysya in one direction.Because of what he produced?Due to the constant winds.So, near the equator in the Atlantic Ocean, originates most powerful ocean current northern hemisphere - the Gulf Stream.About 45 degrees north latitude, it is converted in the North Atlantic Current.
But south of the equator is the largest for westerly winds that goes around the entire globe.Its approximate width - several thousand kilometers, and the water is moving at a speed of 3.5 kilometers per hour.It is believed (though not all geographers share this position), what it is the so-called boundary of the Southern Ocean (the fifth in a row, which began to devote more recently).
Sea currents oceanographers studied in detail by means of special ships, as well as satellite technology.The geographical envelope of the planet, they play a very important role: providing a migration in the ocean salt, heat, living organisms, promote mixing of waters.In addition, they significantly affect the climate of the continents, especially of coastal areas.
known that the cold flow reduces the average temperature on the coast, along which they pass, and warm - bring the heat on the coast.They also affect the rainfall: cold - reduced, and the heat - increase.
in their impact on climate areas can be seen in a simple example.Thus, the port in Murmansk is ice-free just because of the fact that a number of passes over the North Atlantic.And here is the driest place on the planet - the Atacama Desert in the South American coast - was formed by chance, where the cold Peruvian current flows.
North Atlantic Current, his "residence" on the world map
To find out where the North Atlantic Current, it is necessary to look at the corresponding card.Its "homeland" as you can see, is the Atlantic Ocean.
This powerful ocean current is an extension of the Gulf Stream, originating at the equator.It begins near the Grand Banks of Newfoundland and powerful flow moving across the Atlantic in the north-east.Further, near the island of Ireland, it splits into two parts.One branch (called the Canary Current) turns in a southerly direction, and the other - continues to move northeastward, skirting the northern edge of the European region.More on this branch again divided into Norwegian and Irminger Current.
Such is the geography of the course.What are the physical and geographical features are typical for him?
North Atlantic Current temperature and the flow rate of water flow
attributed to the warm water temperature there ranges from 7 to 16 degrees Celsius.The warm North Atlantic Current is completely cooled only in the Arctic Ocean, mixing with its waters.The velocity of the water in it varies from 1.8 km / h in the southern part up to 0.4 km / h in the north.
It should be noted that the basic physical and geographical indicators North Atlantic current variable.And the temperature and velocity of the water is strongly dependent on the intensity of the Gulf Stream, which in turn is reflected in the sharp changes in weather conditions in Europe (especially in winter).
modern environmental threats
Gulf Stream, in particular North Atlantic Current, plays a critical role in shaping the climate of Europe.So, in the winter it is considerably softens the cold, and in summer - reduces heat and brings a significant amount of rainfall.This is particularly noticeable in the UK, where fog and drizzle protracted become almost national symbols.
In recent years, environmentalists are increasingly talking about the fact that the North Atlantic Current, and can stop altogether.The reason for this - changes in salinity waters of the Atlantic, as well as the massive oil spill in the ocean waters.Other geographers reject such a possibility, saying only the possibility of reducing the intensity of the flow due to these factors.This, according to them, occurred more than once in the last 50 thousand years.
In conclusion
North Atlantic Current - one of the most important in the North Atlantic.It is of great importance to the climate of Europe.However, global environmental problems associated with oil pollution of ocean waters, endanger its existence.
