Motion in the Ocean (IMAGE) University of Rochester Caption The earth’s prevailing winds were previously thought to slow down ocean weather patterns like eddies and strain, but new research shows that prevailing winds can energize ocean weather patterns if their spin is aligned. Credit University of Rochester illustration / Shikhar Rai Usage Restrictions N/A License Original content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.