These mighty bodies of moving water are called currents. Ocean currents move water continuously along specific pathways, often over very great distances. ... Currents driven by the wind travel thousands of miles across the ocean's surface. In the process, they move heat from warmer to cooler areas.

How does ocean currents move water?

Ocean currents can be caused by wind, density differences in water masses caused by temperature and salinity variations, gravity, and events such as earthquakes or storms. ... These currents move water masses through the deep ocean—taking nutrients, oxygen, and heat with them.

What moves water waves or currents?

Sun and Wind

Wind is a major force in propelling water across the globe in surface currents. When air moves across the ocean's surface, it pulls the top layers of water with it through friction, the force of resistance between two touching materials moving over one another.