Geography • Physical GeographyEasy
What is the primary driving force behind the generation of ocean surface currents?
A. Variations in salinity between basins
B. Planetary wind systems blowing over the water surface✓ Correct Answer
C. Gravitational pull of the Moon and Sun
D. Submarine volcanic activity and geothermal heat flux
💡 Solution & Explanation
Frictional drag exerted by persistent planetary wind systems like trade winds and westerlies drives the primary surface circulation of global ocean currents. Salinity and temperature differences drive deep thermohaline circulation rather than rapid surface movement. Gravitational forces from celestial bodies generate ocean tides rather than steady horizontal currents. Geothermal heat plays a negligible role in moving ocean water masses compared to atmospheric momentum transfer.
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