Question

In the Northern Hemisphere, ocean gyres flow clockwise. This is caused by _____.

the Coriolis effect
the moon's gravity
thermohaline circulation
the water cycle

Answer 1

In the Northern Hemisphere, ocean gyres flow clockwise. This is caused by the Coriolis effect.

Answer 2

In the Northern Hemisphere, ocean gyres flow clockwise. This is caused by the Coriolis effect. The correct option in regards to the question given is the first option. The Coriolis effect is mainly responsible for the gyres in the northern hemisphere to move in a clockwise direction and in the anticlockwise direction in the Southern Hemisphere. Oceans near the equator feels the minimumor no Coriolis effect. The deflection in the ocean surface currents also occur due to the Coriolis effect. The spinning of the earth from west to east on its axis has huge effect on the gyres rotation.