Consider the following statements: 1. Ocean currents are the slow-surface movement of water in the ocean. 2. Ocean currents assist in maintaining the Earth’s heat balance. 3. Ocean currents are set in motion primarily by prevailing winds. 4. Ocean currents are affected by the configuration of the ocean. Which of these statements are correct?

All four statements are correct. Ocean currents are continuous movements of large masses of surface water that circulate in regular patterns across the oceans (definition and surface focus) [1]. They play a major role in redistributing heat globally and thus help maintain the Earth’s heat balance by transporting warm and cold waters between latitudes [2]. Surface currents are set in motion primarily by prevailing winds through frictional drag on the upper ocean (with winds driving the upper ~100 m) and steered by the Coriolis effect [4]. Additionally, the shape and configuration of ocean basins, coastlines and seafloor topography modify current paths, speed and patterns [5].

Sources

1. [1] Certificate Physical and Human Geography , GC Leong (Oxford University press 3rd ed.) > Chapter 12: The Oceans > The Movements of Ocean Currents > p. 109
2. [2] https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/current.html
3. [3] Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 33: Ocean temperature and salinity > Thermohaline Circulation > p. 514
4. [4] Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 32: Ocean Movements Ocean Currents And Tides > Influence Of Wind (Atmospheric Circulation) > p. 487
5. [5] https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/ocean-currents-and-climate/