What do tidal currents primarily depend on?

Tidal currents primarily depend on gravitational forces, which are the result of the gravitational pull exerted by the moon and the sun on the Earth's waterways. This gravitational interaction causes a periodic rise and fall of sea levels, known as tides. As the tide rises (flood tide) and falls (ebb tide), the resulting movement of water creates currents in coastal areas and tidal rivers.

The influence of gravitational forces causes predictable patterns in tidal behavior, making it essential for understanding navigation, marine ecology, and coastal management. While other factors like wind, water temperature, and salinity levels can affect the overall movement of water and local current conditions, they do not fundamentally drive the tidal currents themselves as gravitational forces do. Therefore, the correct answer highlights the primary reason behind the occurrence of tidal currents.