Pacific Ocean: Currents

Huge whirls, formed by the major ocean currents, are found roughly north and south of the equator; the Equatorial Counter Current separates them. The northern whirl is formed by the North Equatorial Current, Japan Current, North Pacific Drift, and California Current; the southern whirl is formed by the South Equatorial Current, East Australian Current, West Wind Drift, and Peruvian (or Humboldt) Current. There are many branch and feeder currents that help to constantly circulate ocean water of differing temperatures and salinities.

Sections in this article:

• Introduction
• Exploration and Settlement
• Commerce and Shipping
• Currents
• Ocean Floor
• Coastline and Islands
• Extent and Seas
• Bibliography

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