What role does heat energy from the sun play in influencing ocean currents? a) the higher rate of evaporation at the equator causes water from the poles to move toward the equator.
b) the polar ice caps melt due to the heat of the sun, causing warm currents to move toward the equator.
c) the colder temperatures at the poles causes water to freeze and expand, pushing cold currents toward the equator.
d) the warm water at the equator moves toward the poles and the cooler water from the poles moves toward the equator.

The correct answer is - D) The warm water at the Equator moves toward the poles and the cooler water from the poles moves toward the Equator.

The Sun has a crucial role in the movement of the ocean currents and their thermal properties. The Sun rays manage to heat up more the waters that are on and in close proximity tot he Equator, while the waters on and around the poles are not properly heated because the Sun rays fall at a very sharp angle and a re much more dispersed.

The warm waters on the lower latitudes and the cold waters at the higher latitudes have different densities. The different densities of the waters makes them move. The warmer waters move on the surface and toward the poles, while the colder waters move as deep currents toward the Equator.

b.