The horizontal and vertical motions are common in ocean water bodies. The horizontal motion refers to the ocean currents and waves. The vertical motion refers to tides. Ocean currents are the continuous flow of huge amount of water in a definite direction while the waves are the horizontal motion of water.Ocean currents are horizontal or vertical movement of both surface and deep water throughout the world’s oceans (Briney, n.d.). The primary generating forces are wind and differences in water density caused by variations in temperature and salinity. Currents generated by these forces are modified by factors such as the depth of the water, ocean floor topography and deflection by the rotation of the Earth. Horizontal currents are wind driven, fast moving and carries small amount of water; while, vertical currents are slow moving, density driven and carries large bodies of water. In this paper I will describe horizontal and vertical currents, their importance and some of the tools used to measure ocean currents.

Horizontal ocean current or surface ocean current

Surface current are found in the upper four hundred meters (400m) and makes up about ten percent (10%) of ocean (Briney, n.d.). Surface ocean currents are as a result of friction between the water and atmosphere interface. The wind exerts a force or stress to the ocean surface and causes the water to move. The winds that most affect the oceans’ currents are the Westerlies which produce belts of ocean currents that flow east in the mid-latitude and the Trade winds which generate currents that flow to the west in tropical latitudes. These winds are mainly a result of warm air from the tropics moving towards the poles. The direction of the current is not the same as the direction of the wind but it is deflected at a forty five degree angle. This deflection is resulted from the earth’s rotation on its axis called the Coriolis force/ effect. Coriolis force and constrains by continental land masses cause surface currents to develop into an alm

Vertical and Horizontal Movement of Ocean Water

The movement of ocean water can be broadly categorized into two types: vertical and horizontal. Both types of movement are important for the overall health and functioning of the ocean ecosystem.

Horizontal Movement

Horizontal movement of ocean water refers to the movement of water in a horizontal direction, parallel to the surface of the ocean. This can be further divided into two types: currents and waves.

Currents: Currents are the continuous flow of water in a particular direction. They are driven by a variety of factors, including wind, temperature, salinity, and the Earth's rotation. Currents can have a significant impact on the climate and weather patterns of the surrounding land areas, as well as on the distribution of nutrients and organisms within the ocean itself.

Waves: Waves are the periodic rise and fall of water, caused by the wind blowing over the surface of the ocean. Waves can be further divided into two types: surface waves and internal waves. Surface waves are the most common type, and are responsible for the majority of the movement of the ocean's surface. Internal waves, on the other hand, occur beneath the surface of the ocean and are caused by differences in water density.

Vertical Movement

Vertical movement of ocean water refers to the movement of water in a vertical direction, either up or down. This can be further divided into two types: upwelling and downwelling.

Upwelling: Upwelling is the movement of cold, nutrient-rich water from the deep ocean to the surface. This is caused by a variety of factors, including wind, currents, and the rotation of the Earth. Upwelling is important because it brings nutrients to the surface, which can support the growth of phytoplankton and other organisms.

Downwelling: Downwelling is the movement of warm, nutrient-poor water from the surface of the ocean to the deep ocean. This is also caused by a variety of factors, including wind, currents, and the rotation of the Earth. Downwelling is important because it helps to distribute heat and nutrients throughout the ocean.

In conclusion, both vertical and horizontal movement of ocean water are important for the overall health and functioning of the ocean ecosystem. Horizontal movement helps to distribute nutrients and organisms throughout the ocean, while vertical movement helps to bring nutrients to the surface and distribute heat and nutrients throughout the ocean.