Final answer:
Major ocean currents carry large volumes of water and are measured in Sverdrups (Sv), with the density of water giving them power comparable to that of wind for the same rotor area. While ocean currents are slower than wind, their steady nature and potential for energy make them a valuable asset for climate regulation and potential renewable energy sources.
Step-by-step explanation:
Major ocean currents transport vast amounts of water and are measured in Sverdrups (Sv), with one Sverdrup equal to one million cubic meters of water per second. The size and strength of these currents play a critical role in global climate by moving heat from one part of the world to another. Ocean currents are influenced by several factors, such as wind, water density, and the Earth's rotation, which in turn affect their speed and direction.
The density of water significantly enhances the power of ocean currents when compared to wind power. Although ocean currents move slower than wind, as they tend to be far slower in velocity, the substantial density difference—water being approximately 800 times denser than air—means that water currents can have comparable power for the same rotor area. This aspect is especially important for the considerations of underwater energy harvesting, despite the fact that the implementation of such technology faces challenges such as corrosion and its location far from demand centers.
Ocean currents have a steady flow and their total power potential is estimated to be about 5 TW—not overwhelmingly high, but their consistent nature eliminates intermittency worries that are associated with wind power. Furthermore, ocean currents play a pivotal role in moderating the climate, making maritime climates milder with less variation in temperature both daily and seasonally as they carry vast amounts of solar energy collected, especially from equatorial regions, to different parts of the ocean.