Question

Surface currents are generated by _____.



temperature
density
salinity
wind

Answer 1

The regular pattern of winds around the earth creates currents on the surface of the oceans. Earth's rotation, which produces the Coriolis effect, causes surface currents to flow in large rotating loops, called gyres. Since winds in the Northern Hemisphere tend to blow in clockwise patterns, the gyres spin in a clockwise direction. In the Southern Hemisphere, gyres spin in a counterclockwise direction because the winds blow that way also. The alternating current circulation helps spread energy from the Sun throughout Earth's oceans.

Answer 2

wind is the correct answer - Surface movement can be created by the wind. Properly speaking currents are generated by gravity or thermal energy.