Ocean currents flow in response to ____; their direction is an outcome of the earth's rotation and ____, causing a ____ rotation in the Northern Hemisphere and a ____ rotation in the Southern Hemisphere.
A) gravity; topography; counterclockwise; clockwise
B) topography; gravity; clockwise; counterclockwise
C) temperature; topography; clockwise; counterclockwise
D) gravity; topography; clockwise; counterclockwise
E) winds; gravity; clockwise; counterclockwise

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Ocean currents flow in response to gravity and topography. The direction of the rotation of the currents is caused by the Coriolis effect, which is a result of the Earth's rotation. In the Northern Hemisphere, the rotation is counterclockwise while in the Southern Hemisphere it is clockwise. Therefore, option D is the correct answer.

Ocean Currents Flow in Response to ____; Their Direction Is