Global oceanic circulation is driven by
A) the temperature of the oceans.
B) the salinity of the oceans.
C) the turning of Earth on its axis.
D) wind patterns.
E) convergence zones.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Global oceanic circulation is primarily driven by wind patterns, which create surface currents that steer water around the world's oceans. The Coriolis effect, which is a result of Earth's rotation, also plays a role in the direction of these currents. Temperature and salinity can affect ocean currents locally, but they are not the primary drivers of global oceanic circulation. Convergence zones are areas where trade winds meet and typically produce upwelling of nutrient-rich water, but they do not drive global oceanic circulation.

Global Oceanic Circulation Is Driven by