Consider the following factors:

1. Rotation of the Earth

2. Air pressure and wind

3. Density of ocean water

4. Revolution of the Earth

Which of the above factors influence the ocean currents?

This question was previously asked in
Official UPSC Civil Services Exam 2012 Prelims Part A
View all UPSC Civil Services Papers >
  1. 1 and 2 only
  2. 1, 2 and 3
  3. 1 and 4
  4. 2, 3 and 4

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 2 : 1, 2 and 3
Free
UPSC Civil Services Prelims General Studies Free Full Test 1
21.6 K Users
100 Questions 200 Marks 120 Mins

Detailed Solution

Download Solution PDF

The correct answer is 1, 2 and 3.

Factors affecting Ocean Currents-

  • Density-
    • Varying density caused by temperature and salinity in oceans led to vertical currents in oceans. 
  • Air pressure and wind-
    • Monsoon winds are responsible for the seasonal reversal of ocean currents in the Indian Ocean.
    • Further influence of atmospheric pressure and insolation causes variation in winds movements which affects ocean currents eventually.
  • Rotation of Earth-
    • The Coriolis effect is a result of the rotation of the earth. 
    • Coriolis force causes the mater to move right in the northern hemisphere and left in the southern hemisphere.
  • Revolution of Earth
    • The Revolution of the earth does not influence the ocean currents.

Important Points

  • The primary forces that influence the currents are:
    • heating by solar energy;
    • wind;
    • gravity;
    • Coriolis force.
  • The secondary forces that influence the currents are:
    • Temperature difference;
    • Salinity difference 
Latest UPSC Civil Services Updates

Last updated on Jul 3, 2025

-> UPSC Mains 2025 Exam Date is approaching! The Mains Exam will be conducted from 22 August, 2025 onwards over 05 days!

-> Check the Daily Headlines for 3rd July UPSC Current Affairs.

-> UPSC Launched PRATIBHA Setu Portal to connect aspirants who did not make it to the final merit list of various UPSC Exams, with top-tier employers.

-> The UPSC CSE Prelims and IFS Prelims result has been released @upsc.gov.in on 11 June, 2025. Check UPSC Prelims Result 2025 and UPSC IFS Result 2025.

-> UPSC Launches New Online Portal upsconline.nic.in. Check OTR Registration Process.

-> Check UPSC Prelims 2025 Exam Analysis and UPSC Prelims 2025 Question Paper for GS Paper 1 & CSAT.

-> UPSC Exam Calendar 2026. UPSC CSE 2026 Notification will be released on 14 January, 2026. 

-> Calculate your Prelims score using the UPSC Marks Calculator.

-> Go through the UPSC Previous Year Papers and UPSC Civil Services Test Series to enhance your preparation

More Oceanography Questions

Get Free Access Now
Hot Links: teen patti neta teen patti real cash apk teen patti boss teen patti palace