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Ocean currents at the SURFACE -- their primary cause is SOLAR ENERGY. Due to solar energy, much of the wind pattern originates and this wind pattern in turn causes ocean currents on the surface.

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What are the two causes of ocean currents?

The heating of the ocean surface by the sun is the PRIMARY source of energy that drives the ocean currents. How and where they move is dependent on the spinning of the earth, wind patterns and the positions of the continents and oceans and the cool polar areas. In effect the ocean current transfer (solar) heat form the tropics to the poles and even out the temperature variations across the planet. winds, gravity, and water density are factors that move ocean currents.


What is the primary energy source that causes warm moist air to rise over tropical oceans?

The primary energy source that causes warm moist air to rise over tropical oceans is solar radiation. The sun heats the surface of the ocean, causing the air above it to warm up and rise due to its lower density compared to cooler air. This process creates convection currents that drive the atmospheric circulation in tropical regions.


What process cools the ocean?

The primary process that cools the ocean is evaporation, where water at the ocean's surface turns into water vapor, taking heat energy with it. Additionally, mixing of colder deep water with warmer surface water through ocean currents can also contribute to cooling the ocean.


What is earth's main source of energy?

Sun ... not yeah it is the sun hahah :0


What is tidal enargy?

Tidal energy is a form of renewable energy harnessed from the natural motion of the ocean tides. This energy is captured using turbines that are placed underwater in areas with strong tidal currents. Tidal energy is considered a clean and predictable source of power.

Related Questions

What source of energy causes these oceans currents?

The immediate source of most energy moving ocean currents is wind. The ultimate source of this energy is the sun.


What is the major source of energy that powers the convection currents in the atmosphere and ocean?

the primary source of ocean currents is the sun but other direct energy sources are1. global wind patternsa. trade windsb. the westerly winds*wind is the cause of surface currents in the oceans.


Why is sun the initial source of energy for all ocean currents?

The sun is the initial source of energy for all ocean currents because it heats the surface of the ocean unevenly, creating temperature and pressure differences that drive the movement of water. This process, known as thermal energy transfer, is responsible for the formation of ocean currents which play a crucial role in distributing heat and nutrients around the globe.


Where does an ocean wave get its energy directly from?

It doesn't come all from one source. The energy come from wind, earth's rotation and ocean currents


What is Major source of energy that powers the convection currents in the atmosphere and ocean?

Vertical convection in both the ocean and atmosphere is caused by uneven HEATing.The source of energy for convection in the ocean and atmosphere is heating from the sun.


What is the source of energy in the ocean?

wind


What is the major source of energy that powers the convection currents in the atmospheres and oceans?

Vertical convection in both the ocean and atmosphere is caused by uneven HEATing.The source of energy for convection in the ocean and atmosphere is heating from the sun.


What are the primary ways the heat energy is transferred through the earts system?

air movements, storms, and ocean currents


What source of energy drives the atmosphere and hydrosphere?

The primary source of energy that drives the atmosphere and hydrosphere is the Sun. Solar energy is absorbed by the Earth's surface, causing processes like evaporation of water from oceans and heating of the atmosphere which leads to weather patterns. This energy also drives ocean currents and the water cycle.


What is a primary source of stored thermal energy in oceans?

The primary source of stored thermal energy in oceans is solar radiation. Solar energy is absorbed by the ocean surface, heating up the water mass. This heat is then transferred and stored throughout the ocean layers.


What is the ultimate source of energy that drives the?

The ultimate source of energy that drives the Earth's systems is the Sun. It provides light and heat energy that fuels processes such as photosynthesis, weather patterns, and ocean currents.


What are the steps for how the sun provides the energy for surface ocean currents?

The steps to how the sun provides the energy for surface ocean currents