Consider the characteristics of global ocean circulation: Statement I: The global conveyor belt is driven by differences in water temperature and salinity, a process known as thermohaline circulation. Statement II: Surface ocean currents are primarily driven by prevailing winds acting in conjunction with the Coriolis force and continental landmasses. Which of the following is correct?

💡 Solution & Explanation

Both statements are correct because deep ocean circulation is controlled by density variations linked to temperature and salinity gradients, while surface currents are primarily forced by atmospheric wind systems. The thermohaline circulation plays a fundamental role in redistributing global heat energy and regulating Earth's climate system. Surface gyres rotate clockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and counter-clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere.