Mains Daily Question
March 21, 2024

Q1. What are the factors that influence Ocean Currents? Discuss the impact of ocean currents on the fishing industry of the world. (10M, 150W)

Model Answer

Approach for the answer:

Understanding and Structuring the Answer: The question has two main headings: 1) Factors influencing ocean currents & 2) Impact of ocean currents on the fishing industry.

Introduction: Define Ocean currents.

Body:

Heading 1: Factors Influencing Ocean Currents Here, we will discuss the various factors that influence the formation and behavior of ocean currents.

Heading 2: Impact of Ocean Currents on the Fishing Industry In this section, we will explore how ocean currents affect the fishing industry worldwide and the implications for fisheries and fish stocks.

Conclusion: The conclusion will summarize the key points about ocean currents' significance in the context of the fishing industry.

 

Answer:

Ocean currents, with their large-scale and continuous movements of seawater, are vital in shaping the Earth's climate and weather patterns. They also play a crucial role in distributing heat, nutrients, and marine life across the world's oceans.

 

Factors that influence Ocean Currents:

 

  • Planetary Winds: The direction, strength, and duration of winds determine the direction and intensity of surface currents in the oceans. 
    • For instance, Trade winds push Equatorial currents westwards.
  • Earth's rotation: The Earth's rotation causes bulging at the equator and flattening at the poles, resulting in a system known as thermohaline circulation. This circulation helps distribute heat from the equator to the poles, regulating the Earth's climate.
  • Coriolis force: The Coriolis force influences the circulation of ocean currents, causing gyres to move clockwise in the northern hemisphere and counterclockwise in the southern hemisphere.
  • Solar Heating: Solar heating causes water to expand, creating a gentle slope that encourages water flow.
  • Temperature Difference: Temperature variations impact ocean currents, with warm water rising to the surface and moving towards the poles, while cold water sinks and moves towards the equator.
  • Salinity Difference: Salinity, or salt concentration, plays a significant role in ocean currents. Evaporation increases water salinity, causing it to sink and generate deep ocean currents. 
    • For instance, high salinity areas can also create surface currents that move water towards regions with lower salinity.
  • Geography: The shape of coastlines, presence of islands, and the configuration of landmasses influence the direction and strength of ocean currents. 
    • For example, currents may be deflected by underwater ridges or channeled through narrow straits.

 

Role of Ocean Currents in fishing industry of the world:

The role of ocean currents in the fishing industry worldwide is significant. These currents influence the distribution of nutrients and marine life, affecting fish abundance and locations in different areas. Some key impacts of ocean currents on the fishing industry are:

  • Upwelling: Upwelling brings nutrient-rich water to the surface, supporting marine life and creating rich fishing grounds. Overall, coastal upwelling regions only cover 1 percent of the total area of the world’s oceans, but they provide about 50 percent of the fish harvest brought back to shore by the world’s fisheries
    • For example, the region off the west coast of Peru undergoes continual coastal upwelling and is among the richest fishing grounds in the world..
  • Migration patterns: Ocean currents affect the migration patterns of fish, influencing the timing and location of their journeys to spawning grounds, which can impact the fishing industry's catch.
  • Fishing locations: Ocean currents determine where fish are found, with nutrient-rich areas like upwelling zones having more abundant fish populations. 
    • For instance, the Gulf Stream offers fertile fishing grounds for tuna and swordfish.
  • Climate patterns: Ocean currents influence regional weather patterns, which can affect the fishing industry. 
    • For instance, changes in currents can lead to alterations in water temperature, impacting fish migration and abundance.

 

The forces that influence ocean currents play a crucial role in the global fishing industry. Wind, temperature, salinity, and Earth's rotation all affect the distribution of nutrients and marine life in oceans. Upwelling, migration patterns, fishing locations, and climate patterns are impacted by ocean currents, influencing the fishing industry's catch. Understanding these forces is vital for the industry's sustainability and success. Studying and monitoring these factors will enable us to manage and preserve ocean resources for future generations.

Subjects : Geography
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