What phenomenon describes how surface winds drive surface currents, affecting the layers of water?

The phenomenon that describes how surface winds drive surface currents and affect the layers of water is known as the Ekman Spiral. This concept illustrates the relationship between wind speed and direction and how they influence ocean water movement. When wind blows across the ocean surface, it generates frictional forces that create surface currents. Due to the Coriolis effect, these currents do not move straight but rather gradually curl.

As you go deeper into the water, the influence of the wind diminishes, and the currents become progressively slower and rotate further to the right (in the Northern Hemisphere) or to the left (in the Southern Hemisphere) as you descend. This creates a spiral pattern of water movement that extends down into the ocean's upper layers. The Ekman Spiral is fundamental to understanding ocean circulation and how it is driven by surface winds.

Understanding this concept is essential for grasping how ocean currents are structured and interact with other physical processes in the ocean, including the distribution of heat, nutrients, and marine life.