What causes ocean currents?

Ocean currents are caused by a combination of factors, including wind, Earth’s rotation (Coriolis effect), water temperature, and salinity. Winds push surface waters across the ocean, creating surface currents, while temperature differences cause water to expand and contract, affecting its density. This leads to deep ocean currents that circulate across vast distances. The Coriolis effect, caused by the rotation of the Earth, also influences the direction of currents, causing them to rotate clockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and counterclockwise in the Southern Hemisphere. Ocean currents play a crucial role in regulating global climate and distributing heat around the planet.