Question

1pt what is the primary cause of surface currents in the ocean?

a. gravity

b. density differences in ocean water

c. temperature differences in water

d. winds

Explanation:

To determine the primary cause of ocean surface currents, we analyze each option:

• Option A: Gravity mainly affects tides and vertical movements, not surface currents' horizontal flow.
• Option B: Density differences drive deep - ocean currents (thermohaline circulation), not surface currents.
• Option C: Temperature differences are part of what creates density differences, which again relate to deep - ocean currents, not the primary cause of surface currents.
• Option D: Winds blowing across the ocean's surface exert a force on the water, causing it to move in the direction of the wind (or at an angle due to the Coriolis effect), and this is the primary cause of surface ocean currents.

Answer:

D. winds