Solar energy drives which process in the ocean?

Solar energy drives which process in the ocean?

• A. Conduction
• B. Convection currents
• C. Radiation
• D. Evaporation

Answer: (B)

Solar energy heats the ocean surface, creating a buoyancy difference because warm surface water is less dense than the cooler water beneath. This density contrast makes the warm water rise while the cooler water sinks, setting up vertical movement known as convection currents. This process mixes water between depths and distributes heat through the water column. While sunlight is also the source of energy that drives evaporation and is the reason energy reaches the water via radiation, the in-ocean movement described here is convection currents caused by buoyancy from heating.

Solar energy heats the ocean surface, creating a buoyancy difference because warm surface water is less dense than the cooler water beneath. This density contrast makes the warm water rise while the cooler water sinks, setting up vertical movement known as convection currents. This process mixes water between depths and distributes heat through the water column. While sunlight is also the source of energy that drives evaporation and is the reason energy reaches the water via radiation, the in-ocean movement described here is convection currents caused by buoyancy from heating.