15 Facts About Ekman transport

Ekman transport is part of Ekman motion theory, first investigated in 1902 by Vagn Walfrid Ekman.

Winds are the main source of energy for ocean circulation, and Ekman Transport is a component of wind-driven ocean current.

Ekman transport occurs when ocean surface waters are influenced by the friction force acting on them via the wind.

The direction of transport is dependent on the hemisphere: in the northern hemisphere, transport occurs at 90° clockwise from wind direction, while in the southern hemisphere it occurs at 90° anticlockwise.

Ekman transport has significant impacts on the biogeochemical properties of the world's oceans.

Mass conservation, in reference to Ekman transport transfer, requires that any water displaced within an area must be replenished.

Ekman transport theory explains the theoretical state of circulation if water currents were driven only by the transfer of momentum from the wind.

Second mechanism of wind currents resulting in Ekman transport transfer is the Trade Winds both north and south of the equator pulling surface waters towards the poles.

Third wind pattern influencing Ekman transport transfer is large-scale wind patterns in the open ocean.

Ekman transport pumping downward in the central ocean is a consequence of this convergence of water.

Ekman transport suction has major consequences for the biogeochemical processes in the area because it leads to upwelling.

Ekman transport suction occurs both along coastlines and in the open ocean, but occurs along the equator.

Downwelling, due to Ekman transport pumping, leads to nutrient poor waters, therefore reducing the biological productivity of the area.

Ekman transport pumping can be found along the coasts as well as in the open ocean.

Specifically, in the subtropics, between 20°N and 50°N, there is Ekman transport pumping as the tradewinds shift to westerlies causing a pile up of surface water.