Consider the following statements regarding the Counter-equatorial Cur...
- The Equatorial Counter Current is an eastward moving, wind-driven flowing 10-15m deep current found in the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans. More often called the North Equatorial Countercurrent (NECC) , this current flows west-to-east at about 3-10°N in the Atlantic and Pacific basins, between the North Equatorial Current (NEC) and the South Equatorial Current (SEC). The NECC is not to be confused with the Equatorial Undercurrent (EUC) that flows eastward at the equator but at some depth. In the Indian Ocean, circulation is dominated by the impact of the reversing Asian monsoon winds. As such, the current tends to reverse hemispheres seasonally in that basin. The NECC has a pronounced seasonal cycle in the Atlantic and Pacific, reaching maximum strength in late boreal summer and fall and minimum strength in late boreal winter and spring. Furthermore, the NECC in the Atlantic disappears in late winter and early spring.
- The NECC is an interesting case because while it results from wind-driven circulation, it transports water against the mean westward wind stress in the tropics. This apparent paradox is concisely explained by Sverdrup theory, which shows that the east-west transport is governed by the north-south change in the curl of the wind stress.
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Consider the following statements regarding the Counter-equatorial Cur...
Counter-equatorial currents are ocean currents that flow in the opposite direction to the traditional equatorial currents. These currents are important for the circulation patterns in the tropical regions of the ocean. Let's analyze the given statements regarding the Counter-equatorial Currents.
1. Counter-equatorial Current is less developed in the west due to stress of trade winds:
The first statement is correct. The Counter-equatorial Current is less developed in the western part of the ocean due to the stress of the trade winds. The trade winds blow from the northeast in the Northern Hemisphere and from the southeast in the Southern Hemisphere. These winds push the surface waters towards the west, causing the development of the western boundary currents such as the Gulf Stream in the Atlantic Ocean and the Kuroshio Current in the Pacific Ocean. As a result, the Counter-equatorial Currents in the western parts of the ocean are weaker and less developed compared to the eastern parts.
2. The Counter-equatorial Current carries relatively higher temperature and lower density than the two equatorial currents:
The second statement is also correct. The Counter-equatorial Current carries relatively higher temperature and lower density than the two equatorial currents. The equatorial currents, such as the Equatorial Counter Current, flow along the equator and are influenced by the trade winds. These currents carry cooler water from the eastern parts of the ocean towards the western parts. In contrast, the Counter-equatorial Currents flow in the opposite direction and transport warmer water from the western parts towards the eastern parts. This warmer water has a lower density compared to the cooler water carried by the equatorial currents.
In conclusion, both statements regarding the Counter-equatorial Currents are correct. The Counter-equatorial Current is less developed in the west due to the stress of trade winds, and it carries relatively higher temperature and lower density than the two equatorial currents. These currents play a significant role in the oceanic circulation patterns and can impact regional climate and weather systems.
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