Question

What is the relationship between the movement of the atmosphere and the movement of surface currents?

Answer 1

The surface currents and the lower atmosphere movements are connected to one another. Namely, the surface currents influence the temperature and the humidity of the air masses above them. Also, the movement of the surface currents to a certain direction is causing the movement of the air masses above them. So we have a situation where the surface currents with their properties influence the type of the air masses above them, as well as the direction of the movement of those air masses. Because of this it is very easy to predict the type and direction of movement of an air mass if we know the type and direction of movement of a surface current.

Answer 2

The movement of the atmosphere or atmospheric circulation refers to the movement of air. Surface currents are ocean currents that don’t depend on weather but are influenced by global wind patterns, the rotation of the Earth, and the shape of the ocean basins.

Both, the movement of atmosphere and surface current distribute heat around the planet and consequently, influence climate.

When air and the ocean are at a different temperature heat transfer by conduction occurs. On the other hand, the ocean absorbs energy from the sun, and during the precipitation, it releases heat energy into the atmosphere.