Explain the Ekman Spiral and how it relates to currents What

Explain the Ekman Spiral and how it relates to currents. What are the forces that drive the Ekman Spiral?

Solution

Ekman Spiral: occurs because of the coriolis effect. Due to the force exerted by wind, the water molecule surface moves which in turn drag deeper layers of water molecules below them. Wind-driven stress on the ocean surface is proportional to the square of the wind speed and the direction of the wind. Each layer of water molecules is moved by friction from the shallower layer. Surface currents flow at an angle of 45° to the wind due to a balance between the Coriolis force and the drags generated by the wind and the water. The Ekman spiral is majorly generated due to the wind force. However, Speed and pressure also play a small role.