Question

The energy of the sun drives a general trend in ocean water movement from the equator outward toward the poles. The actual global pattern of ocean currents, however, is a more complicated series of rotating systems. Which of the following describes the features that change the general trend of ocean water movement into the actual pattern we see?

A. Global patterns of fishing and sailing
B. Gravitational pull of the sun and moon
C. Concentration of dissolved salt and minerals
D. Earth's rotation and arrangement of continents

Answer 1

The actual pattern of ocean currents is influenced by Earth's rotation and the arrangement of continents, which create the Coriolis effect and redirect water flow, resulting in complex oceanic circulation patterns.

Step-by-step explanation:

While the energy of the sun does drive a general trend in ocean water movement from the equator toward the poles, Earth's rotation and the arrangement of continents significantly alter this pattern, creating a complex system of rotating currents. The Coriolis effect, a consequence of Earth's rotation, causes water to move in circular patterns and influences the direction of ocean currents. The shape of continents acts as physical barriers that redirect the flow of currents. Combined with variations in water temperature, salinity, and the gravitational pull from the moon and the sun (which affects the tides), these factors contribute to the intricate patterns of ocean movement that differ from the simple outward flow from the equator.