The primary factor influencing ocean currents is the combination of winds, the Earth's rotation (Coriolis effect), and differences in water temperature and salinity. Winds drive surface currents, while the Coriolis effect causes these currents to veer off course, shaping their paths. Additionally, variations in temperature and salinity create density differences that contribute to deeper water currents, establishing a complex system of circulation. Understanding these currents is essential for studying climate systems and marine ecology.