2.3.5. Characteristics of Ocean Currents

The currents are strongest near the surface and may attain speeds over five knots. At depths, currents are generally slow with speeds less than 0.5knots. The speed of a current is known as its drift. Drift is measured in terms of knots. The strength of a current refers to the speed of the current. A fast current is considered strong. A current is usually strongest at the surface and decreases in strength (speed) with depth. Most currents have speeds less than or equal to 5 knots.