QUESTION

Medium

Physical Geography

Prelims 2012

Consider the following factors:

  1. Rotation of the Earth
  2. Air pressure and wind
  3. The density of ocean water
  4. Revolution of the Earth

Which of the above factors influence the ocean currents?

Select an option to attempt

Explanation

The rotation of the Earth, also known as the Coriolis effect, influences the direction of ocean currents. In the Northern Hemisphere, currents are deflected to the right, while in the Southern Hemisphere, they are deflected to the left.

Wind-driven currents, which are caused by the wind blowing across the surface of the ocean, are one of the primary types of ocean currents. Changes in air pressure can also affect ocean currents.

Density-driven currents, also known as thermohaline currents, are caused by differences in the density of ocean water. The density of ocean water is influenced by temperature and salinity.

The revolution of the Earth refers to the Earth's orbit around the Sun, which causes the change of seasons. However, it does not directly influence the ocean currents.

Therefore, the factors that influence the ocean currents are the rotation of the Earth, air pressure and wind, and the density of ocean water.

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