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In Geography / College | 2025-07-03

What causes the oceans to bulge near the equator compared to seawater at the poles?
A. Thermohaline circulation
B. Centrifugal force
C. Convection
D. The Coriolis effect

Asked by janelleirwin1022

Answer (2)

The oceans bulge near the equator due to centrifugal force from the Earth's rotation, pushing water outward. This force causes a bulge in the oceanโ€™s surface at the equator compared to the flatter regions near the poles. Other factors like gravity and thermal expansion can also influence sea level but are secondary to centrifugal force. ;

Answered by GinnyAnswer | 2025-07-03

The oceans bulge near the equator due to centrifugal force from the Earth's rotation, which pushes water outward. This effect is more prominent at the equator, leading to a noticeable bulge compared to the flatter regions near the poles. The correct answer is B. Centrifugal force.
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Answered by Anonymous | 2025-07-04