What two forces primarily drive the ocean currents?

1. Wind: The primary force that drives ocean currents is the wind. As the wind blows across the surface of the ocean, it creates friction, which drags the water along with it. The stronger the wind, the faster the ocean current.

2. Coriolis effect: The Coriolis effect is a force that is caused by the rotation of the Earth. It deflects moving objects to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere. The Coriolis effect is what causes ocean currents to circulate in a clockwise direction in the Northern Hemisphere and a counterclockwise direction in the Southern Hemisphere.