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Geography

Which 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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