Wind generated current

A Wind generated current is a flow in a body of water that is generated by wind friction on its surface. Wind can generate surface currents on water bodies of any size. The depth and strength of the current depend on the wind strength and duration, and on friction and viscosity losses,[1] but are limited to about 400 m depth by the mechanism, and to lesser depths where the water is shallower.[2] The direction of flow is influenced by the Coriolis effect, and is offset to the right of the wind direction in the Northern Hemisphere, and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere. A wind current can induce secondary water flow in the form of upwelling and downwelling, geostrophic flow, and western boundary currents.[1]

  1. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference oceanmotion was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ Cite error: The named reference Catalina was invoked but never defined (see the help page).