Consider the following factors:
- Rotation of the Earth
- Air pressure and wind
- Density of ocean water
- Revolution of the earth
Which of the above factors influence the ocean currents?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2012 Prelims]
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 4 only
(d) 2, 3 and 4 only
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
| Factors affecting Ocean Currents | Explanation |
| Density | Temperature and salinity variations in oceans cause varying density, which leads to vertical currents in oceans. |
| Air pressure and wind | Monsoon winds result in the seasonal reversal of ocean currents in the Indian Ocean. Additionally, variations in winds movement caused by atmospheric pressure and insolation influence ocean currents. |
| Rotation of Earth | The Coriolis effect, caused by the rotation of the earth, results in the movement of matter to the right in the northern hemisphere and to the left in the southern hemisphere. |
| Revolution of Earth | The revolution of the earth does not influence ocean currents. |
Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.
