Sverdrup Transport
The Sverdrup relation is one
of the cornerstones of dynamical oceanography. We can use it to derive a simple
expression for the transport of ocean gyres
The geostrophic wind gives a cyclonic rotation around the low pressure centre. Ekman transport in the atmosphere is inward and associated pumping velocity is upward. The Ekman mass transport in the oceanic boundary layer is equal and opposite, so there is an outward mass transport and upward pumping velocity in the ocean. This tends to raise the thermocline.