Which one of the following do not influence the ocean currents?

Ocean currents are primarily influenced by forces that initiate and direct water movement. Primary forces include heating by solar energy, which causes water expansion and creates slight level differences between the equator and middle latitudes [2]. Wind acts as a major driver by dragging surface water through friction, determining both magnitude and direction [3]. The Coriolis force, resulting from Earth's rotation, deflects these currents to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and left in the Southern Hemisphere [4]. While the gravitational pull of the Sun and Moon is the fundamental cause of tides (vertical motion) and associated tidal currents in coastal areas, it is not classified as a primary factor influencing the global system of ocean currents [4]. Standard geographical texts distinguish between the continuous flow of ocean currents and the periodic rise and fall of tides caused by celestial gravity [4].

Sources

1. [1] FUNDAMENTALS OF PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY, Geography Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 13: Movements of Ocean Water > OCEAN CURRENTS > p. 111
2. [2] Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 32: Ocean Movements Ocean Currents And Tides > Forces That Influence Ocean Currents > p. 486
3. [3] 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
4. [4] FUNDAMENTALS OF PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY, Geography Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 13: Movements of Ocean Water > MOVEMENTS OF OCEAN WATER > p. 108