Hobbies And Interests
Surf
A wave is actually energy flowing through the water. When that energy reaches land it pushes water ahead of it upwards as it meets resistance. More energy creates bigger waves, which forms higher surf. The energy that creates the waves is usually originally formed by wind. Wind blowing across the surface of water transfers its energy into the water, which will start a wave. A light breeze may only cause a few ripples on the surface while a fierce wind can create much larger waves. Tides and currents also play a role in the formation of waves. The largest waves, like those seen in tsunamis, are created by massive amounts of energy released underwater, typically from an earthquake or underwater volcano.
Tides
Tides cause the level of water on beach shores to rise and fall each day. This can sometimes be quite drastic as the ocean rises up to cover an entire beach that was completely dry an hour before. The oceanic tides are caused by the effects of gravitational pull by the moon and the sun. As the moon passes over the ocean its gravitational pull tugs on the ocean and causes it to bulge underneath. This also occurs with the sun but the effect isn't as strong. Since the ocean is bulging toward these gravitational forces, the water levels elsewhere are lowered as water is pulled away.
Currents
Currents are like giant underwater rivers that flow throughout the ocean. Currents that stay near the surface can be caused by wind, water runoff and other effects. The strongest currents that flow through the ocean stretch deep beneath the surface. These currents are a circular system of water exchange as warm water near the equator flows along the surface toward the poles and colder water near the poles flows deep underwater back toward the equator. There are several key factors that contribute to these currents including changes in water density caused by temperature and salinity, gravitational effects, tides, seasonal winds and ocean topography.
Effects
These systems of energy and movement are what help keep many portions of the ocean living and thriving places. Many shore animals rely on the tides to bring them food, new shelter and allow them to reproduce. The currents of the ocean also allow underwater life to thrive by bringing nutrients and fresh water. Oceanic travel is also aided by these currents as ships use them to help speed their vessels along.