South Equatorial Current
Topic: Movements of Ocean Water: Waves, Tides and Currents · NCERT: Class 11, Ch 13 "Movements of Ocean Water"
Meaning
The South Equatorial Current is a warm ocean current that flows west, just south of the equator. It is found in the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian Oceans. The south-east trade winds drive it. These are steady winds that blow from the south-east towards the equator. When the current reaches the western side of an ocean, it turns south and feeds warm currents such as the Brazil, East Australian and Agulhas currents.
Example
In the Indian Ocean, the South Equatorial Current flows west towards Madagascar and Africa. Part of it turns south through the Mozambique Channel and feeds the fast, warm Agulhas Current along the east coast of South Africa.
Don't confuse with
- North Equatorial Current: it is driven by the north-east trades and lies between about 10° and 20° N. It is found mainly in the Pacific and Atlantic.
- Equatorial Counter Current: it flows east, between the two westward equatorial currents.