Question

Why is ocean water always moving?

Answer 1

Hint: You might know that ocean water never keeps still. There are many factors which keep ocean water always in motion. These water currents play a major role in our climate. They also help in mixing and transporting of nutrients and oxygen which is critical for the survival of aquatic organisms.

Complete answer:
The factors which keeps the oceanic water in motion always are-
- Tides
- Winds
- Temperature
- Hot and cold currents
- Gravitational pull of the moon and sun.
There is something called a ‘global conveyor belt’ which moves water from one ocean to another. It also helps in mixing of oxygen and nutrients which supports aquatic life on earth. They move warm and cold currents over a very long distance which affects the temperature of landmasses surrounding the ocean. The major reason for the ‘global conveyor belt’ is water density.
There is a lot of water movement in the ocean. The most obvious examples are the waves and ripples on the water's surface that are generated by wind or the ocean currents that are due to tides. The currents are set in motion due to the change in density and salinity. The warm water is less dense as compared to cold water. Salinity means the amount of salt in water, water with high salinity is more dense as compared to water with less salinity.
Water currents begin from the North pole in the North Atlantic from where the surface of the ocean gets cooled by arctic temperatures. When sea ice forms, salt stays behind and the water becomes saltier. This makes the water more dense and sinks to the bottom. Cold water moves from Antarctica to Indian and Pacific Oceans. It reaches a warmer area and water heats up, becomes less dense and rises towards the surface. It then eventually goes back to the North Atlantic and the whole cycle begins again.

Note:
Factors which keep the oceanic water in motion are tides, winds, temperature, hot and cold currents, gravitational pull of the moon and sun. Process of movement of water from one ocean to another is known as the ‘Global conveyor belt.’