For currants along continental slopes, the joint effect of baroclinicity and bottom relief (JEBAR) provides important local forcing, comparable with the wind stress. The poleward density increase (or corresponding sea level decline) typically drives O(0.1 m s−1) poleward currents confined over the continental slope and independent of the wind. This transport is significant at eastern oceanic margins. Abstract For currants along continental slopes, the joint effect of baroclinicity and bottom relief (JEBAR) provides important local forcing, comparable with the wind stress. The poleward density increase (or corresponding sea level decline) typically drives O(0.1 m s−1) poleward currents confined over the continental slope and independent of the wind. This transport is significant at eastern oceanic margins.