Question

ocean currents move huge masses of water continuously around earth. varying sea temperatures and wind patterns are the primary drivers of these powerful ocean flows. ocean temperatures vary because solar energy, or energy from the sun, is distributed unevenly around the planet. warmer water rises, while colder water sinks. this rising and sinking motion generates currents. another force that shapes currents is wind. wind blowing across the surface of the ocean transfers energy from the air to the water. as a result, surface currents are created. all this movement of ocean water affects climates in different areas of the world. while warmer ocean currents help warm the land in coastal regions, colder currents have the opposite effect. based on the passage, how does solar energy affect ocean currents? solar energy generates currents by causing ocean water to sink and rise. solar energy generates surface currents by warming the oceans top layer. solar energy warms the air over land that pushes and pulls currents around the planet. solar energy has little to no effect on ocean currents.

Explanation:

The passage states that solar energy is distributed unevenly around the planet, causing ocean temperatures to vary. Warmer water rises and colder water sinks due to this temperature - difference caused by solar energy, generating currents.

Answer:

Solar energy generates currents by causing ocean water to sink and rise.