FOSMA Notes on Currents in South Pacific Ocean
The South Pacific Ocean features several major ocean currents that play significant roles in
shaping regional climates, marine ecosystems, and global ocean circulation patterns.
Here are some of the key currents in the South Pacific:
1. South Equatorial Current
2. East Australian Current
3. West Wind Drift (Antarctic Circumpolar Current)
4. Southern Ocean Current
5. Peru Current (Humboldt Current)
6. South Pacific Gyre
1. South Equatorial Current:
➢ Similar to its counterpart in the South Atlantic, the South Equatorial Current in
the South Pacific flows westward along the equator.
➢ It splits into the
• Northward-flowing North Equatorial Current and
• Southward-flowing South Equatorial Counter Current near the
International Date Line.
➢ The South Equatorial Current and South Sub-tropic current flow westward and slowly
turn SW and later South along the East Coast of Australia to form the East Australian
Coast Current.
2. East Australian Current (EAC):
➢ This is a warm, southward-flowing ocean current that hugs the eastern
coast of Australia.
➢ It originates from the Coral Sea and
flows southward along the coast, influencing
the climate and biodiversity of the Australian
east coast.
➢ On reaching the southern end of the East
Coast of Australia, it flows East ward and later
NE after being deflected by New Zealand.
➢ It follows the west coast of New Zealand
and curves at the Northern tip of New Zealand
again to proceed Eastward to join the Southern
Ocean Current.
3. West Wind Drift (Antarctic Circumpolar Current):
➢ While not solely in the South Pacific, the
West Wind Drift is an eastward-flowing
current that encircles Antarctica and connects
all three major ocean basins (Pacific,
Atlantic, and Indian).
➢ It influences the southern reaches of the
South Pacific Ocean.
Notes compiled by Capt. Subhadip Banerjee, Faculty, Nautical, FOSMA, Kolkata
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FOSMA Notes on Currents in South Pacific Ocean
4. Southern Ocean Current
➢ The Southern Ocean Current curves towards North along the SW coast of South
America to form the PERU Current.
5. Peru Current (Humboldt Current):
➢ Along the western coast of South America, the Peru Current flows
northward.
➢ It is a cold, nutrient-rich current that
originates from the Antarctic region and
plays a crucial role in the rich marine
biodiversity off the coasts of Peru and
Chile.
➢ Part of this current continues to flow
North to join the Panama and the other
part curves towards west to join South
Equatorial and South Sub-tropical
Current.
6. South Pacific Gyre:
➢ This is a large system of rotating ocean currents in the subtropical region of
the South Pacific.
➢ It consists of
• the East Australian
Current in the west,
• the Peru Current in the
east, and
• various other currents
that contribute to the
overall circulation
patterns in the region.
These currents are vital for transporting heat and nutrients, regulating regional climates,
supporting diverse marine ecosystems, and affecting global ocean circulation. Understanding
their dynamics is essential for studying and managing marine resources, fisheries, and climate
variability in the South Pacific Ocean.
Notes compiled by Capt. Subhadip Banerjee, Faculty, Nautical, FOSMA, Kolkata
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