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Geography

Which process primarily maintains the anticlockwise circulation of the North Pacific Subpolar Gyre?

A)Ekman transport divergence inducing upwelling
B)Thermocline variations blocking westerly winds
C)Salinity gradients altering density stratification
D)Sea ice formation intensifying bottom water creation

💡 Explanation

When winds blow along the surface, Ekman transport deflects water, causing divergence, especially in subpolar regions due to bathymetry and wind patterns, drawing water upwards reinforcing geostrophic flow. Therefore, Ekman transport maintains the gyre current rather than blocking, altering salinity, or intensifying bottom water, all which require different inputs.

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