What Drives Deep Ocean Currents?

Deep currents are shaped by:

1. Density – temperature, salinity, pressure differences cause sinking/rising.
2. Temperature – cold, dense water sinks (e.g., Antarctic Bottom Water).
3. Salinity – high salinity increases density (Mediterranean Outflow).
4. Earth's rotation (Coriolis) – deflects flows right (NH) / left (SH).
5. Wind‑driven surface currents – transfer momentum downward.
6. Seafloor topography – ridges, trenches steer flows.
7. Coastal boundaries – continental shelves deflect/accelerate currents.