What is the function of ocean gyres and currents?

Question

Can not figure out the function of them for this research paper im doing

Answer 1

Ocean gyres function as the currents of water flow around our oceans. They are regulated by the Coreolis effect (the force caused by the rotation of the earth which sends the winds and currents to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere) which creates the wind and air currents on the earth. These air and ocean currents are constantly going around the earth forced by gravity along a pressure gradient according to the spinning of the earths axis and the Coreolis effect. They are therefore functions in themselves.

However the implications of ocean gyres and currents mean that a lot of aquatic, marine, air and human life are consequently dependant on them for their livelihoods as they are a regulated force around the planet, allowing life to evolve and live according to their patterns.

For their function you will have to look at a specific system: ie: the El Nino/La Nina affect in Australia is caused by the warmer ocean currents in South America staying on the surface below the equator to australia and thus creating dryer conditions such as the 'drought' and this is called El Nino; while the La Nina effect is caused by the cold ocean currents in South America bringing up lots of nutrients in the waters and carrying the cooler current below the equator to australia and thus creating wetter conditions and the breaking of 'the drought'.

You will have to refine your focus on a specific function for a specific area of your chosen ocean gyres and currents area!