The correct option is Follows the cyclonic pattern..
Explanation
Ocean surface currents are primarily driven by planetary winds and the Coriolis force. The large-scale circular systems of ocean currents, known as gyres, generally mirror the flow of the prevailing wind systems in their respective latitudinal belts.
Analysis:
- Sub-tropical Gyres (Lower and Middle Latitudes): In these regions, the atmospheric circulation is dominated by high-pressure systems, resulting in anticyclonic wind flow. Consequently, the oceanic circulation follows an anticyclonic pattern (clockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and counter-clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere).
- Sub-polar Gyres (Higher Latitudes): In higher latitudes, the atmospheric circulation is dominated by low-pressure systems, resulting in cyclonic wind flow. As a result, the oceanic circulation follows a cyclonic pattern (counter-clockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere).
- Therefore, where the wind flow is mostly cyclonic, the oceanic circulation also follows the cyclonic pattern.
Key Takeaway:
Oceanic circulation patterns correspond to atmospheric circulation: sub-tropical gyres are anticyclonic, while sub-polar gyres are cyclonic.