Prevailing winds generate ocean surface currents that flow in the same direction until they encounter a continent.They are diverted by the mass of the continent, forming the huge rotating currents found in both hemispheres in all oceans.These rotating currents are called
A) gyres.
B) vortices.
C) cyclones.
D) hurricanes.
E) equatorial currents.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The passage explicitly mentions that the large rotating currents formed due to the diversion of prevailing winds by continents are called "gyres". Therefore, option A is the correct answer. Option B ("vortices") and option C ("cyclones") are not accurate because they refer to different types of atmospheric or oceanic circulation patterns. Option D ("hurricanes") is a specific type of tropical cyclone and not related to the formation of ocean currents. Option E ("equatorial currents") is also not correct because it refers to a different type of current that flows parallel to the equator.

Prevailing Winds Generate Ocean Surface Currents That Flow in the Same