Encyclopedia Britannica
Encyclopedia Britannica
SUBSCRIBE
SUBSCRIBE
SUBSCRIBE
Ask the Chatbot Games & Quizzes History & Society Science & Tech Biographies Animals & Nature Geography & Travel Arts & Culture ProCon Money Videos
gyre
Table of Contents
Introduction References & Edit History
Quizzes
Iceland, Glacier lagoon (Jokulsarlon)
Winter Weather Words Quiz
Read Next
Earth from space. Full-hemisphere views of the Earth showing Hurricane Linda at its peak approaching Baja California on 1997 September 11.
What Is Earth’s Velocity?
Solar system illustration. (planets; sun)
Why Are Planets Round?
World map. Continents. Oceans. Mendel thumb ok
Just How Many Oceans Are There?
ripped torn flag, pirate, skull
Are There Laws on the High Seas?
A big, powerful wave breaking near the shore.
What Makes a Wave Go Rogue?
Discover
Figure 13: A Maxim machine gun, belt-fed and water-cooled, operated by German infantrymen, World War I.
7 Deadliest Weapons in History
Lisa Taylor receives a COVID-19 vaccination from RN Jose Muniz as she takes part in a vaccine study at Research Centers of America, August 07, 2020 in Hollywood, Florida. Research Centers of America is currently conducting COVID-19 vaccine trials, impleme
How Is a Vaccine Approved for Use?
The impeachment trial of Pres. Andrew Johnson, illustration from Frank Leslie's Illustrated Newspaper, March 28, 1868.
What If the President Is Impeached?
Monitor. Varanus salvadorii is a monitor lizard found in New Guinea can grows to 2.7 metres (9 ft.) aka Tree crocodile, Crocodile monitor, Salvadori's monitor, artellia, reptile
7 of the World’s Most Dangerous Lizards and Turtles
B-52G with cruise missiles, USAF, short range attack missiles SRAMs; guided missile
11 of the World’s Most Famous Warplanes
Eye. Eyelash. Eyeball. Vision.
7 Vestigial Features of the Human Body
Internet http://www blue screen. Hompepage blog 2009, history and society, media news television, crowd opinion protest, In the News 2009, breaking news
Who Invented the Internet?
Geography & Travel Physical Geography of Water

gyre

oceanography
Print
Written by
John P. Rafferty
John P. Rafferty writes about Earth processes and the environment. He serves currently as the editor of Earth and life sciences, covering climatology, geology, zoology, and other topics that relate to...
John P. Rafferty
Fact-checked by
The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors.
The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Article History
Related Topics:
ocean current
subtropical gyre
subpolar gyre

gyre, in oceanography and climatology, a vast circular system made up of ocean currents that spirals about a central point. The most prominent are the subtropical gyres, which ring subtropical high-pressure systems, and the subpolar gyres, which enclose areas of low atmospheric pressure over the oceans.

John P. Rafferty
Britannica Chatbot logo

Britannica Chatbot

Chatbot answers are created from Britannica articles using AI. This is a beta feature. AI answers may contain errors. Please verify important information using Britannica articles. About Britannica AI.
Feedback
Corrections? Updates? Omissions? Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login).
Thank you for your feedback

Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

verifiedCite
While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions.
Select Citation Style
Rafferty, John P.. "gyre". Encyclopedia Britannica, 25 Nov. 2011, https://www.britannica.com/science/gyre. Accessed 16 May 2025.
Share
Share to social media
Facebook X
URL
https://www.britannica.com/science/gyre
External Websites
  • The Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Studies - Ocean Gyres