How do landforms influence the movement of surface ocean currents?

• A. They increase the salinity of surface currents by adding minerals to the water.
• B. They have no significant effect on the movement of surface currents.
• C. They decrease the temperature of surface currents by providing shade.
• D. They redirect currents by acting as physical barriers, causing currents to change direction or split.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of surface ocean currents: Surface ocean currents are primarily driven by wind patterns, Earth's rotation (Coriolis effect), and the shape of the ocean basins. These currents move water across the surface of the ocean and are influenced by various factors, including landforms.
2. Recognize the role of landforms: Landforms such as continents, islands, and underwater features act as physical barriers to the movement of surface ocean currents. When currents encounter these barriers, they are redirected, split, or deflected, altering their original path.
3. Analyze the incorrect options: The first option, 'They increase the salinity of surface currents by adding minerals to the water,' is incorrect because salinity changes are primarily influenced by evaporation, precipitation, and freshwater input, not landforms. The second option, 'They have no significant effect on the movement of surface currents,' is incorrect because landforms do play a significant role in redirecting currents. The third option, 'They decrease the temperature of surface currents by providing shade,' is incorrect because temperature changes are influenced by factors like latitude and solar radiation, not shade from landforms.
4. Focus on the correct explanation: The correct answer is that landforms redirect currents by acting as physical barriers. For example, when a surface current encounters a continent, it may be deflected along the coastline or split into different directions, depending on the shape and position of the landform.
5. Relate this concept to real-world examples: Consider the Gulf Stream, which is redirected by the eastern coast of North America, or the Antarctic Circumpolar Current, which flows uninterrupted around Antarctica due to the lack of land barriers. These examples illustrate how landforms influence the movement of surface ocean currents.