Question

How do ocean currents influence the climate and economic activities of the coastal regions?

Answer 1

Ocean currents influence the climate and economic activities of coastal regions in the following ways:

1. Warm currents raise the temperature along the coast, while cold currents drop the temperature along the coast. The ports of Norway remain ice-free even in winters because of the effect of warm currents, while the coast of Newfoundland remains frozen for almost nine months owing to the cold currents.
2. Winds blowing over warm currents result in a good amount of rainfall, as they get moisture-laden. On the other hand, winds blowing over cold currents are dry; therefore, rainfall is scanty. The west coast of Europe receives a significant amount of rainfall because of the warm North Atlantic Drift, while the Atacama Desert of South America is the result of the influence of the cold Peru Current.
3. Ocean currents also help in navigation and transport. A lot of fuel and time are saved if ships move along the direction of currents.
4. The mixing of warm and cold currents causes dense fog and reduced visibility. For example, Newfoundland, where the warm Gulf Stream and the cold Labrador Current meet, is densely foggy, posing a great risk of accidents.
5. The places where cold and warm currents meet are the biggest fishing grounds in the world. Small organisms known as phytoplanktons thrive in these places; they also make an excellent food for the fish.