The gulf stream is deflected by north America causing the current to change direction what this concept called?

Ekman veering is the deflection of surface currents in the ocean due to the Coriolis effect. The Coriolis effect is a force that deflects objects moving in the Earth's atmosphere or oceans to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere.

In the case of the Gulf Stream, the Coriolis effect deflects the current to the right as it flows north along the coast of North America. This causes the current to change direction and flow eastward, away from the coast.

Ekman veering is a significant factor in determining the circulation of ocean currents. It can affect the transport of heat and nutrients in the ocean, which can have a major impact on climate and ecosystems.