Ocean currents are primarily caused by wind, density differences in water masses, gravity, and Earth’s rotation. Surface currents are driven by global wind systems that interact with the ocean, influenced by the Coriolis effect and landforms that shape their paths [1][2]. The wind drags the surface water, causing it to flow in the same direction as the wind, while gravity pulls water from elevated areas to lower ones, creating currents [6].

Deep-ocean currents are generated by variations in water density due to temperature and salinity differences, a process known as thermohaline circulation. This circulation moves water globally, linking surface and deep currents in what is referred to as the global conveyor belt, which plays a critical role in climate regulation [2][3][5].

What causes ocean currents?

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