Which one of the following statements about the Sargasso Sea in the North Atlantic Ocean is not correct?

Introduction / Context:
This question examines knowledge of physical oceanography, using the Sargasso Sea as an example. The Sargasso Sea is a unique region of the North Atlantic Ocean defined not by land boundaries but by surrounding ocean currents, and several of its properties are commonly asked in examinations.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The Sargasso Sea is located in the North Atlantic Ocean.
• Four statements describe its currents, salinity and position relative to major currents.
• We must identify the statement that is not correct.

Concept / Approach:
The Sargasso Sea lies within the North Atlantic subtropical gyre. It is bounded by the Gulf Stream to the west, the North Atlantic Current to the north, the Canary Current to the east and the North Equatorial Current to the south. It is known for relatively calm waters, floating Sargassum seaweed and comparatively high salinity.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Check option A. The Sargasso Sea is indeed part of an anticyclonic or clockwise subtropical gyre, so this statement is correct.Step 2: Check option B. The region is associated with warm, clear, high salinity water, so this statement is also correct.Step 3: Check option D. Because surrounding currents encircle it, the central area tends to be relatively calm compared to boundary currents, so this statement is broadly correct.Step 4: Examine option C. It states that the Sargasso Sea is located west of the Gulf Stream and east of the Canary Current. In reality, the Gulf Stream runs along the western side of the gyre and the Canary Current along the eastern side, so the Sargasso Sea lies east of the Gulf Stream and west of the Canary Current.Step 5: Therefore, option C reverses the location and is not correct.

Verification / Alternative check:
Visualising a map of the North Atlantic helps. The Gulf Stream runs northward along the east coast of the United States, while the Canary Current flows southward off the coast of northwest Africa. The Sargasso Sea lies in the open ocean between these two boundary currents, which confirms that the direction in option C has been stated incorrectly.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A is not the incorrect statement because the Sargasso Sea does indeed lie within an anticyclonic subtropical gyre.
Option B is not incorrect because it is well known for high salinity clear blue waters.
Option D is not incorrect because the interior of the gyre is relatively calm, with weaker surface currents compared to the strong bordering currents.

Common Pitfalls:
Many learners confuse east and west when describing positions relative to moving currents. It is important to remember that the Gulf Stream lies to the west of the Sargasso Sea and the Canary Current lies to its east, not the other way around.

Final Answer:
The statement that is not correct is that the Sargasso Sea is located west of the Gulf Stream and east of the Canary Current.