Question 837Navigation General

The correct answer is A) trade winds. The trade winds are the dominant wind patterns near the equator that have the greatest effect on the set, drift, and depth of the equatorial currents. The trade winds blow from the northeast in the Northern Hemisphere and from the southeast in the Southern Hemisphere, driving the major equatorial current systems such as the Atlantic North Equatorial Current and South Equatorial Current. The other options are incorrect because the horse latitudes and prevailing westerlies are not the primary drivers of equatorial currents, and the doldrums refer to the calm, variable winds near the equator, which have less direct influence on the equatorial current systems.