An ocean current is a continuous, directed movement of seawater generated by forces acting upon this mean flow, such as breaking waves, wind, the Coriolis effect, cabbeling, and temperature and salinity differences, while tides are caused by the gravitational pull of the Sun and Moon. Depth contours, shoreline configurations, and interactions with other currents influence a currents direction and strength.

Ocean currents flow for great distances, and together, create the global conveyor belt which plays a dominant role in determining the climate of many of the Earths regions. More specifically, ocean currents influence the temperature of the regions through which they travel. Irish Coastal Current data was provided by Petroleum Affairs Division. This data was created as part of the Irish Offshore Strategic Environmental Assessment (IOSEA).