UPSC CSE Prelims
Question 82
Consider the following factors:
- Rotation of the Earth
- Air pressure and wind
- Density of ocean water
- Revolution of the Earth
Which of the above factors influence the ocean currents?
View correct answer and explanation
Correct answer: B
Correct Option: B
Explanation: Ocean currents depend on Earth’s rotation, prevailing winds/pressure systems and seawater density differences.
Statement/Item-wise Analysis:
1: Correct - Coriolis deflection from Earth’s rotation shapes current directions.
2: Correct - Wind stress and atmospheric pressure patterns drive surface-water circulation.
3: Correct - Temperature/salinity-driven density gradients drive thermohaline circulation.
4: Incorrect - Annual revolution around the Sun is not treated as a direct ocean-current driving force in this list.
Option-wise Analysis:
A: Incorrect - omits correct item 3.
B: Correct - includes exactly the valid statements/items and excludes the invalid ones.
C: Incorrect - includes incorrect item 4; omits correct items 2, 3.
D: Incorrect - includes incorrect item 4; omits correct item 1.