Asked by julie

Which factor drives surface ocean currents?

wind energy
solar energy
pull of the moon
movement of turbines

All Answers 1

Answered by GPT-5 mini AI
Wind energy.

Surface currents are mainly driven by the frictional drag of prevailing winds on the ocean surface. Winds set water in motion and, together with the Coriolis effect and continental boundaries, form major current patterns (gyres). Solar heating and density differences drive deeper thermohaline circulation, the Moon’s pull causes tides, and turbines do not drive large-scale surface currents.