Q: What explains the eastward flow of the equatorial counter-current?
a) The Earth’s rotation on its axis
b) Convergence of the two equatorial currents
c) Difference in salinity of water
d) Occurrence of the belt of calm near the equator
The correct answer is Option 2.
The equatorial counter currents
- Two equatorial currents are flowing from the East to West direction around the Equator-North Equatorial and South Equatorial Current.
- A counter-equatorial current flow in the opposite direction (i.e., from West to East).
- The convergence of the two equatorial currents explains the eastward flow of the equatorial counter-current. Hence, Option 2 is correct.
- There is a high piling of waters taking place due to the convergence of this to West moving currents near the Eastern Brazil Coast.
- This leads to the rise of the equatorial counter-current in the direction of low levels of water (i.e., in the Eastern part).
- Our Earth rotates from West to East hence, the piled-up water comes down on its Eastern side and flows in the Eastern direction.
- It is driven by a distinct surface wind pattern in the tropics.
- Strong westward trade winds result in westward surface flow in most of the tropical Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
- However, several hundred mi. (km.) north of the equator, the winds are much weaker, in comparison
- The stronger winds to the south pile up water where the winds are weak.
- As a result, the surface of the ocean can be up to 6 in. (15 cm.) higher and the thermocline as much as 328 ft. (100 m.) deeper than it is directly to the north.
- The intensity of the equatorial counter-current varies from season to season and from month to month.
- The strongest seasonal changes occur in the Atlantic Ocean.
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