Everyone knows that the ocean is not staticformation, the water in it is in constant motion. Sometimes it moves in the form of wide streams, which scientists have called ocean currents. One of the main on the planet is the North Atlantic Current, which will be discussed in this article.
Ocean currents and their place in the geographic shell of the Earth
Морское (или океаническое) течение - это поток water masses with the same properties, moving in the same direction. What is it made of? Due to constant winds. Thus, in the region of the equator, in the Atlantic Ocean, the most powerful oceanic current of the northern hemisphere, the Gulf Stream, originates. At about 45 degrees north latitude, it is transformed into the North Atlantic Current.
But the south of the equator is the largestcurrent of the Western Winds, which goes around the globe. Its approximate width is several thousand kilometers, and the water in it moves at a speed of 3.5 kilometers per hour. It is generally accepted (though not all geographers share this position) that it is the boundary of the so-called Southern Ocean (the fifth in a row, which began to be singled out quite recently).
Ocean currents are studied in detail by oceanologists.with the help of special vessels, as well as satellite technology. In the geographical envelope of the planet, they play a very important role: they ensure the migration of salts, heat, and living organisms in the Ocean, and contribute to the mixing of water. In addition, they significantly affect the climate of the continents, especially their coastal areas.
It is known that cold currents reduce the averageair temperatures on the coasts along which they pass, and warm ones bring warmth to the coast. They also affect the amount of precipitation: cold - reduce, and warm - increase.
Their impact on the climate of the territories can be seen.on a simple example. So, the port in Murmansk is non-freezing just because the North Atlantic current passes nearby. But the driest place on the planet - the Atacama desert on the South American coast - was not by chance formed where the cold Peruvian current flows.
North Atlantic Current: its "registration" on the world map
To find out where the North Atlantic Current is located, you need to look at the appropriate map. His "homeland", as you can see, is the Atlantic Ocean.
This powerful ocean current isthe continuation of the Gulf Stream, originating from the equator. It begins in the area of the Grand Banks of Newfoundland and moves in a powerful stream across the Atlantic to the northeast. Further, near the island of Ireland, it forks into two parts. One branch (called the Canary Current) turns in a southerly direction, and the other continues to move to the northeast, bordering the northern edges of the European region. Still further, this branch is again divided into the Norwegian and the Irminger Current.
Such is the geography of this current. What physical and geographical properties are characteristic for him?
North Atlantic Current: temperature and flow rate
The flow is classified as warm, the temperature of the water in itranges from +7 to +16 degrees Celsius. The warm North Atlantic Current is completely cooled only in the Arctic Ocean, mixing with its waters. The speed of movement of water in it is not the same: from 1.8 km / h in the southern part to 0.4 km / h in the north.
It is worth noting that the mainPhysico-geographical indicators of the North Atlantic Current are variable. Both temperature and water velocity strongly depend on the intensity of the Gulf Stream, which, in turn, is expressed in sharp changes in weather conditions in Europe (especially in winter).
Modern environmental threats
Gulf Stream, in particular the North Atlanticcurrent plays a crucial role in shaping the climate of Europe. So, in winter, it significantly softens frosts, and in summer it reduces heat and brings a significant amount of precipitation. This is especially noticeable in the UK, in which fog and prolonged drizzling rains have become almost national symbols.
Recently, environmentalists are increasingly talking aboutthat the North Atlantic Current can stop altogether. The reason for this is changes in the salinity of the waters of the Atlantic, as well as massive oil spills in oceanic waters. Other geographers reject this possibility, speaking only of the possibility of a decrease in the intensity of the flow due to these factors. This, in their opinion, has happened more than once in the last 50 thousand years.
Finally
The North Atlantic Current is one of the most importantin the North Atlantic. It is of great importance for the climate of Europe. However, global environmental problems associated with oil pollution of ocean waters threaten its existence.
