East Australian Current
Topic: Movements of Ocean Water: Waves, Tides and Currents · NCERT: Class 11, Ch 13 "Movements of Ocean Water"
Meaning
The East Australian Current is a warm ocean current that flows south along the east coast of Australia. It is a branch of the South Equatorial Current, which turns south when it reaches Australia. It forms the western arm of the anticlockwise current loop of the South Pacific. It carries warm tropical water towards higher latitudes. This keeps the coast warm and wet.
Example
The East Australian Current bathes the Great Barrier Reef off Queensland in warm water. Corals need warm water to grow.
Don't confuse with
- West Australian Current: it is cold and flows north along the west coast of Australia. It adds to the dryness of the Great Sandy and Gibson deserts.