PADI Divemaster Certification Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT a force that causes ocean currents?

1. Waves

2. Tides

3. Earth’s core movements

4. Wind

The correct answer is: Earth’s core movements

The force that is not responsible for causing ocean currents is the movement of Earth's core. While the core does influence geological processes over long time scales, it does not directly drive the movement of water in the oceans. In contrast, waves, tides, and wind all play significant roles in generating ocean currents. Waves create surface currents along coastlines due to their energy and breaking action. Tides, caused by the gravitational pull of the moon and the sun, lead to the rising and falling of sea levels that can generate currents in coastal areas. Wind is a major driver of surface currents, imparting energy to the water as it blows across the ocean's surface, influencing current patterns globally. Understanding how these different forces interact is crucial for comprehending oceanic movement and its effects on marine ecosystems, navigation, and climate.