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.