Map of the ocean currents. (Source: © Dimitrios / stock.adobe.com)

The relatively slow, stable flow of seawater in one direction due to a number of causes, including differences in temperature or salinity. Other causes of sea currents are wind, Coriolis force or the shape of the coastline. Ocean currents stretch across the oceans, both at the surface (warm currents) and at the seabed (cold currents). Because they distribute heat and nutrients, they play an important role in influencing the Earth’s climate and biosphere.