Question

How do prevailing winds produce ocean currents? A. Earth's rotation causes air movement. B. The angle of Earth's axis causes air movement. C. Tornadoes cause circulation patterns of warm and cool air. D. Heat from the sun causes circulation patterns of warm and cool air.

Answer 1

The correct answer is **D. Heat from the sun causes circulation patterns of warm and cool air.**

Prevailing winds are created by uneven heating of the Earth's surface by the sun, which causes differences in air pressure. These winds, in turn, exert a force on the surface of the oceans, leading to the movement of water and the creation of ocean currents. The interaction between atmospheric dynamics and oceanic circulation is fundamental to understanding global climate patterns.