"Surface currents" refers to the movement of water on the top layer of the ocean or a large body of water. It describes how the water flows and circulates on the surface due to factors like winds, tides, and temperature differences. Full definition
This model demonstrates how ocean surface currents function in transporting drifting objects on the ocean surface. (oceanmotion.org)
In fact, they are among the fastest surface currents in the ocean. (oceanmotion.org)
This becomes particular clear as we compare surface currents at 39 meters below the sea surface with bottom currents 175 or even 255 meters below the surface. (icyseas.org)