Ekman Dynamics
Ekman Dynamics refers to the movement of water in the ocean that results from the balance between wind stress and the Coriolis effect. When wind blows across the surface of the ocean, it creates friction that drags the water along. However, due to the Earth's rotation, the water does not move directly in the direction of the wind but is deflected to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere.
This phenomenon leads to a spiral effect in the water column, known as the Ekman Spiral. As depth increases, the direction of water movement gradually changes, resulting in a net transport of water known as Ekman Transport. This transport is crucial for understanding ocean circulation and its impact on climate and marine ecosystems.