Question

Which played a major role in altering wind patterns and ocean currents?

volcanic eruptions
ice ages
movement of continents
solar flares

Answer 1

Movement of continents.

Continental drift (plate tectonics) changes the positions and shapes of ocean basins and the arrangement of landmasses, opening or closing seaways (e.g., Isthmus of Panama, Drake Passage). Those changes reorganize ocean currents and, in turn, the global wind and climate patterns.