What is the term for masses of ocean water that flow and follow a circular movement?

The term that describes masses of ocean water that flow and follow a circular movement is ocean currents. Ocean currents are large-scale flows of seawater that are driven by various factors such as wind, the rotation of the Earth (Coriolis effect), and differences in water temperature and salinity. These currents can form patterns known as gyres, which are large systems of rotating ocean currents that flow in specific circular routes within the ocean basins.

Understanding ocean currents is essential because they play a critical role in regulating climate, distributing heat across the planet, and serving as pathways for marine organisms and nutrients. While the other options mention different aspects of oceanography, they do not describe the circular movement of water specifically associated with currents.