Weather Words: Loop Current

Wind and density differences across the oceans result in various ocean currents all over the world. These currents generally follow the same pattern and help not only circulate the ocean water, but also carry rich nutrients needed for certain ecosystems to survive.

The loop current is one that’s close to home. It comes into the Gulf from the Caribbean and flows northward, then circles back south along Florida’s west coast. It travels through the Florida Straits and then up Florida’s east coast and up the east coast of the U.S.

How close the loop current flows to the Gulf Coast is variable, depending on the time of year, but this warm ocean current is what helps keep the Gulf relatively warm all year.

Because this current carries warm ocean water, the loop current is known to help provide hurricanes the fuel they need to intensify. While the loop current doesn’t cause hurricanes to form, it definitely aids in making them stronger.

Jennifer Gray is a weather and climate writer for weather.com. She has been covering some of the world's biggest weather and climate stories for the last two decades.