Which of the following factors influence the ocean currents ? 1. Coriolis force 2. Gravity 3. Heating by solar energy 4. Wind Select the answer using the code given below :

Ocean currents are driven by a combination of primary and secondary forces. Primary forces initiate the movement of water and include heating by solar energy, wind, gravity, and the Coriolis force [2]. Solar heating causes water to expand, creating a slight gradient that initiates flow [2]. Wind exerts friction on the surface, driving horizontal currents [3]. Gravity acts on the water density differences and surface gradients created by solar expansion, pulling water downward and driving circulation [3]. The Coriolis force, resulting from Earth's rotation, deflects these moving water masses to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere [2]. Together, these four factors are fundamental in determining the origin, direction, and speed of global oceanic circulation systems [2].

Sources

1. [1] 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
2. [2] FUNDAMENTALS OF PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY, Geography Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 13: Movements of Ocean Water > OCEAN CURRENTS > p. 111
3. [3] 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. 487