Final answer:
Ocean currents transport water and substances across the ocean, driven by various factors, whereas waves primarily transfer energy, not water. The motion of water particles in waves is mostly localized and does not result in significant transport of water, contrary to a common misconception.
Step-by-step explanation:
Currents transport water and other substances from one place to another within the ocean, unlike waves which do not transport water physically. Instead, waves transfer energy through the water, causing the water particles to move primarily in a circular motion at the surface, without resulting in a significant net movement of water. This is a common misconception as people often feel pushed by waves and assume that a large amount of water is being moved. In reality, the energy in the wave is what they are feeling, much like the push one experiences when feeling the wind, which is air particles transferring energy and momentum.
Ocean currents, however, are real movements of water masses in the ocean, driven by a number of factors including differences in water density, wind, the Earth's rotation, and the shape of the ocean basins. Currents can travel for long distances and ply across entire ocean basins, contributing to the global distribution of heat, nutrients, and marine life. In contrast to the misconception that waves transport water, currents are the true conveyors in the ocean system. They play an indispensable role in shaping weather patterns and maintaining the Earth's climate balance.