CBSE Class 11 Geography – Movements of Ocean Water

Chapter Overview

This chapter examines the three major movements of ocean water: waves, tides, and currents. You'll learn how wind, the Sun, Moon, Earth's rotation, density differences, and ocean basin shapes drive these motions, and how they affect climate, marine life, and human activities.

Important Keywords

• Waves: Oscillatory surface movements transferring energy; water moves in circular paths :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.
• Tides: Regular vertical rise/fall of sea levels due to gravitational forces of Moon & Sun; types include diurnal, semi‑diurnal, mixed; spring/neap tides :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.
• Ocean currents: Sustained horizontal flows driven by wind, density (temperature/salinity), Coriolis effect, tides, and coastlines; include surface and deep currents :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
• Thermohaline circulation: Deep-ocean global conveyor propelled by density differences from temperature and salinity :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.
• Geostrophic currents: Balanced by pressure gradient & Coriolis effect; follow isobars (e.g., Gulf Stream) :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
• Rip currents: Strong, narrow seaward flows near shore produced by breaking waves :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.