Flows in Space, Sky, and Sea 

The Earth is a very complex and dynamic planet. This visualization shows some of the dynamic processes that affect the Earth. 

The first part of the animation shows data from space weather models based on a real coronal mass ejection (CME) event from December 2003. Particles are used to represent the flow of solar material from the Sun around the Earth. 

The second part of the animation shows atmospheric winds from a reanalysis of data and models called MERRA. Winds are caused by the uneven heating of the atmosphere by the Sun. Hot air in the tropics is drawn to the colder polar regions. The rotation of the Earth complicates the motion of the atmosphere and causes conditions such as hurricanes, the jet stream, tornadoes, and polar vortices. 

The last part of the animation shows ocean currents from a model called ECCO-2. The model not only represents the surface currents but also the currents below the surface. Surface currents are primarily driven by winds. Deeper currents are primarily driven by water density which is affected by temperature and salinity. 

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