What causes the ocean currents to circulate globally?

Ocean currents circulate globally due to wind patterns, Earth’s rotation, and differences in water temperature and salinity. Warm water from the equator flows toward the poles, while cold, dense water sinks and travels back toward the equator, creating a conveyor belt effect known as thermohaline circulation. These currents regulate global climate, transport nutrients, and influence marine ecosystems, making them a vital component of Earth’s climate system.