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MapMaker: Ocean Currents

MapMaker: Ocean Currents

Explore Earth's global conveyor belt with MapMaker, National Geographic's classroom interactive mapping tool.

Grades

9 - 12+

Subjects

Earth Science, Climatology, Oceanography, Geography, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Physical Geography

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Learning materials

Maps

Ocean surface currents shape your local climate and ecosystem by transferring heat from the equator to the poles. This is part of the reason the United Kingdom is warmer and wetter than one would expect for its latitude. The flow of ocean water from one place to another is driven and shaped by a variety of factors including wind, water density (thermohaline circulation), seafloor bathymetry, and the Coriolis effect.

Use this layer to explore the patterns and interconnections of these powerful forces.

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Manager
Sarah Appleton, National Geographic Society, National Geographic Society
other
Last Updated

November 2, 2023

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