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← GeographyWhich mechanism causes the formation of oceanic gyres around subtropical regions?
A)Thermohaline convection due to density variations
B)Ekman transport deflecting surface currents✓
C)Tectonic uplift blocking zonal flow
D)Upwelling and nutrient-rich waters
💡 Explanation
When prevailing winds drive surface waters, Ekman transport occurs because of the Coriolis effect, causing water to be deflected 90 degrees from the wind direction and creating a spiral pattern. Therefore the net effect contributes to the circular motion of oceanic gyres, rather than density gradients, uplift or upwelling.
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