The Gulf Stream is a significant poleward flowing current in the Atlantic Ocean. It transports warm, tropical water from the Gulf of Mexico towards the polar region. This current is a major factor in determining the weather patterns along the east coast of the USA.
Option 1 states that the Gulf Stream is similar to the Kuroshio current in the North Pacific Ocean. This statement is correct. Both the Gulf Stream and the Kuroshio current are warm, poleward flowing currents that have similar functions in their respective oceans.
Option 2 correctly identifies that the Gulf Stream transports warm, tropical water towards the polar region. This statement is correct and in line with the characteristics of the Gulf Stream.
Option 3 accurately states that the Gulf Stream is a major factor in the weather along the east coast of the USA. This is because the warm water from the Gulf Stream influences the temperature and moisture levels in the surrounding atmosphere.
Option 4, however, is incorrect. The warm water of the Gulf Stream does not sustain the coral reefs of the West Pacific Coast. Coral reefs are found primarily in tropical and subtropical regions, mainly in the Indo-Pacific Ocean. The warm waters of the Gulf Stream do not reach the Pacific coast.
Therefore, option 4 is the statement that is not