Since the gravitational pull at the equator is less than anywhere else, could this not drive ocean currents?

Question

Could this not drive ocean currents to some extent (a very small extent)?

I know the gravitational pull is only slightly less due to centripetal forces!

After all, the gravitational pull of the moon causes the tide.

Answer 1

Have a look at this page:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Equatorial_...

There's an animated diagram there, showing how the combination of the gravitational pull and the so-called "normal force" prevents things from sliding towards the equator.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Force...

I'll try to explain. The gravitational pull at the equator is slightly less because the earth is slightly bulged around the equator. This would normally cause water and other things in-between the poles and the equator to slide towards the equator. But because of the "bulging" effect, the vector of gravity between the poles and the equator is not ponting straight down, it's ponting slightly towards the poles. This compensates the difference in gravitational pull.

Answer 2

Are you considering this because of the fact we'll lose the moon one day? Cos i've always wondered what'll happen once the moon leaves our orbit and tides fail.

I'm not sure if the gravitational pull of the equator is responsible for ocean currents though, but i'd assume it was slightly.

Answer 3

gravitational pull is the same everywhere on the planet due to the planet having a center of gravity at its core. I think you mean that the centerfugal force of the Earth spinning is less at the equator due to the larger size of the equator compared to sections of the Earth south or North of the Equator. this causes the equator to bulge out more than at the poles and this also causes storm systems, and ocean currents to spin in the coriolis effect . this, along with the sun being overhead thhroughout the year at noon, is why there are more huricanes here than anywhere else.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/co...

Answer 4

gravitationiol pull happents all over planet earth