Study Diagram Q3 - Scottish Highers Geography - Question 3 - 2019

Ocean currents play a critical role in redistributing thermal energy across the planet.

1. Energy Transfer: Warm currents transport energy from equatorial regions toward the poles, while cold currents bring cooler temperatures from polar areas back toward the equator. This exchange is essential for maintaining climate balance.

2. Impact of Prevailing Winds: The movement of ocean currents is significantly influenced by prevailing winds. For example, trade winds push surface water westward across the equator, contributing to the formation of warm currents.

3. Coriolis Effect: The Coriolis effect causes currents in the Northern Hemisphere to deflect to the right and in the Southern Hemisphere to the left, further aiding in the redistribution of temperatures across the globe.

Thus, ocean currents act as a conveyor belt for heat, regulating climate in various regions and impacting weather patterns.