Which statement correctly describes the Sun's role in driving atmospheric and oceanic circulation?

• A. It heats the Earth's core directly.
• B. It drives convection and thereby causes ocean currents and winds.
• C. It causes daily tides.
• D. It controls the Moon's orbit.

Answer: (B)

The Sun’s energy is what powers the movement of air and water around the planet. When the Sun heats the Earth's surface, it creates temperature differences: the equator becomes much warmer than higher latitudes, causing air to rise in some areas and sink in others. This horizontal and vertical movement sets up large-scale convection patterns and steady winds that transport heat around the globe. Those winds push on the ocean surface, generating currents, while differences in water temperature (and salinity) help drive deeper ocean circulation as well. So, the Sun’s energy indirectly drives both atmospheric winds and ocean currents through convection and heat transfer. The other statements miss the main point: the Sun does not heat the Earth's core directly, tides come from gravitational forces rather than heating, and the Sun does not control the Moon’s orbit.