Consider the characteristics of ocean currents: 1. They are influenced by the Coriolis force which deflects them to the right in the Northern Hemisphere. 2. Cold currents generally flow from equatorial regions towards polar regions along the eastern coasts of continents. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

💡 Solution & Explanation

The Coriolis effect deflects moving fluids such as ocean currents to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere as a consequence of Earth's rotation. Cold currents originate from polar or high latitude regions and flow towards the equator, typically along the western coasts of continents in both hemispheres, whereas warm currents flow from the equator towards the poles along eastern coasts. The rotation of the Earth drives these planetary wind systems and subsequent oceanic gyres.