A clockwise current that encircles the South Pole, known as the current wheel or, more formally, the Antarctic gyre, links the Earth's oceans. Gyre means a circle or spiral. The Antarctic gyre is created by the currents of the Atlantic, Indian and Pacific oceans. The oceans, the largest bodies of water on Earth, exhibit numerous types of currents and waves. The major difference between the two is that waves move across or above the surface of the ocean, and currents move often unseen. In addition, tides add to the water's movement.
Arguably the best-known current in the world is the Gulf Stream. This current of warm water originates in the Gulf of Mexico and flows along the coast of North America across the Atlantic to the British Isles. This deep current of warm water greatly affects the weather of Great Britain, providing the region with a milder climate than others at the same latitudes.
The gravitational pull of the sun and especially the moon create ocean tides on Earth. During the Earth's rotation, as the tides rise and fall, currents and waves are created. If the wind catches the tides, the visible result is higher waves. According to Kathy Svitil, writing for PBS, the height difference between a high tide and a low tide in the same location can be significant. The largest variance, 70 feet, was recorded in the Bay of Fundy, separating Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, Canada. This regular tide action leads to waves upon waves. When the waves climb so high that the crest falls forward faster than the rest of the wave, the result is called breakers.
Oceanographers have named different types of currents. A drift current moves slowly through shallow waters. A stream current moves much faster and in deep water. The Gulf Stream is a prime example of a stream current. A rip current flows from the shore to the sea and usually creates visible waves.