The Three Basic Motions of Ocean Water: Waves, Tides & Currents

1. Waves – Wind-driven surface undulations; size/speed depend on wind strength, duration, fetch.
2. Tides – Periodic sea-level rise/fall from lunar/solar gravity (moon dominates).
3. Currents – Continuous water streams driven by wind, tides, Coriolis effect, density gradients (thermohaline).

Together, they move heat, nutrients, larvae, and pollutants globally—powering Earth's climate and marine ecosystems.