Final answer:
The surface currents in the North Atlantic Ocean circulate in a clockwise direction due to the Coriolis force resulting from Earth's rotation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The general circulation of the surface currents in the North Atlantic Ocean is clockwise. This circulation pattern is due to the Coriolis force, which is the effect of Earth's rotation on the movement of air and water. This force causes moving air and water to deflect to the right in the Northern Hemisphere, contributing to the clockwise movement of the surface currents. In contrast, wind circulation around high-pressure zones is counterclockwise in the Southern Hemisphere due to the same principle of the Coriolis force acting in the opposite direction.