What is the primary cause of ocean currents?

The primary cause of ocean currents is indeed related to wind patterns and differences in temperature. Wind plays a significant role in driving surface currents as it exerts force on the ocean's surface. When wind blows across the water, it creates friction leading to movement of the water. Additionally, temperature differences arise from solar heating of the ocean surface, causing variations in water density; warmer water is less dense and tends to rise, while cooler water is denser and sinks.

These combined factors create both surface and deep-water currents, which are critical for the global conveyor belt of ocean circulation. This circulation impacts climate patterns, weather events, and marine ecosystems. Other factors like salinity changes, rainfall, and evaporation can influence ocean currents to some extent, but they do not serve as the primary drivers in the same way that wind and temperature variations do.

Understanding these dynamics is essential for forecasting weather and understanding climate change impacts on oceanic systems.