Ekman drift refers to the mechanical response of the ocean to
wind blowing across its surface.  The surface water is dragged
along with the wind.  However, due to the Coriolis force, it is
deflected somewhat to the right (in the NH).  The surface water
drags along the water
immediately beneath it but
at a somewhat slower
speed, and this layer is also
deflected to the right under
the influence of the Coriolis
force.  The result is a
spiraling pattern in the
current direction with ever
decreasing current speeds
with depth.  The net
transport of water is to the
right of the wind.