Most of the energy that powers ocean waves and ocean currents ultimatelycomes from the sun. Describe how ocean waves and ocean currents transfersolar energy around the globe.

Ocean waters are constantly on the move. Ocean currents flow in complex patterns affected by wind, water salinity, temperature, topography of the ocean floor, and the earth's rotation. Most ocean currents are driven by wind and solar heating of surface waters near the equator, while some currents result from density and salinity variations of the water column. Ocean currents are relatively constant and flow in one direction, in contrast to tidal currents along the shore.