Ocean Currents
Ocean currents are caused by differences in wind, salinity, and temperature between adjacent parts of an ocean. The major currents such as the Gulf Stream, Aghulas, Kuroshio and East Australian Current move vast volumes of water and heat around the world and are responsible for variations in both regional and global climate.
Tidetech has two types of information - Global forecasts and analysis from ocean models and analyis from altimetry data (Australian region only).
Model of the Gulf Stream showing currents, sea surface height and Sea Surface Temperature
Over time, sailors have accumulated knowledge about these currents and the worlds' trading routes have evolved to take advantage of currents and favourable prevailing winds Learn more.
Pilot or routing charts show the major shipping routes and give the average current to be expected for each month of the year in every ocean. For many years they have been an essential part of planning an ocean crossing but they use historical data and estimates rather than direct mesurements. Now recent advances in ocean modelling and observation mean that they are set to become irrelevant.
So what is different about Tidetech's data?
- All information is from trusted, validated sources - (our in-house expertise in oceanography and contacts in the science world mean that we know what data to obtain - and more importantly, what not to bother with).
- We provide a daily 'weather forecast' for ocean currents - pinpointing the exact position of the current flow and major eddies up to 5 days out
- All info can be overlaid on your charts in a growing list of navigation software
- Use the info in routing software to find the fastest passage saving you time, fuel and running costs
- It's proven to give you huge advantage over your competitors in yacht races
Pilot chart of the Gulf Stream showing average current and wind for May
