What term is used to describe ocean currents that flow away from the equator?

The term used to describe ocean currents that flow away from the equator is "warm currents." These currents are typically associated with the transportation of warmer water from tropical regions towards higher latitudes. As water moves away from the equator, it tends to gather heat from the sun, leading to the formation of warm currents.

Warm currents play a significant role in regulating climate and weather patterns, as they can influence temperatures in coastal regions, creating milder conditions in areas that might otherwise be colder. Examples of warm currents include the Gulf Stream in the North Atlantic Ocean and the Kuroshio Current in the western Pacific.

In contrast, cold currents, which flow toward the equator, are generally cooler and can have a cooling effect on the climates of nearby landmasses. Surface currents refer broadly to any currents found in the upper layer of the ocean, which may include both warm and cold currents. Deep currents typically refer to slower, colder movements of water that exist at greater depths, driven by differences in temperature and salinity. Thus, warm currents precisely describe those that move away from the equator, carrying heat to higher latitudes.