What drives the movement of surface waters in the Arctic Ocean?

The movement of surface waters in the Arctic Ocean is primarily driven by wind and density differences.1

Large-scale atmospheric circulation plays a critical role in these patterns. For instance, the clockwise rotation of the Beaufort Gyre and the movement of the Transpolar Drift are largely influenced by a high-pressure center over the western Arctic Ocean. Additionally, variations in water density—which are determined mainly by changes in salinity—contribute to the movement of these waters. While the net effect of tides on the ocean's gross circulation remains unknown, they may provide some modifying influence.21