Ocean Currents Quick Check

Question

1 of 41 of 4 Items
Question
How do prevailing winds produce ocean currents?(1 point)
Responses

The angle of Earth’s axis causes air movement.
The angle of Earth’s axis causes air movement.

Tornadoes cause circulation patterns of warm and cool air.
Tornadoes cause circulation patterns of warm and cool air.

Heat from the sun causes circulation patterns of warm and cool air.
Heat from the sun causes circulation patterns of warm and cool air.

Earth’s rotation causes air movement.
Earth’s rotation causes air movement.
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Answer 1

The correct response is:

Heat from the sun causes circulation patterns of warm and cool air.

The sun's uneven heating of the Earth's surface creates differences in air temperature, leading to wind patterns. These prevailing winds, in turn, help drive ocean currents as they blow across the surface of the water.