Researchers used computational models of ocean currents to produce this video visualizing worldwide ocean surface currents from June 2005 through December 2007. Dark patterns under the ocean are representative of ocean depths and have been exaggerated to 40x; land topography is exaggerated to 20x. Notice the wide variety of behaviors exhibited in the simulation: some regions experience strong recirculation and eddy production, while others remain relatively calm and unmoving. Occasionally strong currents sweep long lines across the open waters, carrying with them warmth and nutrients that encourage phytoplankton blooms and other forms of ocean life. (Video credit: NASA; submitted by Jason S)
Visualizing Ocean Currents
