Oceanography : Movements Of Ocean

Q 10 / 11

UPSC CSE Prelims 1999

A map with arrows pointing to africa

In the given map, which one of the following pairs of ocean currents are shown?

EXPLANATION

Correct Option (d):

  • The map depicts two ocean currents along the western coast of Africa.
  • The Benguela Current is a cold ocean current that flows northward along the southwestern coast of Africa, originating from the Southern Ocean and moving towards the equator.
  • The Guinea Current is a warm ocean current that flows eastward along the northern equatorial coast of Africa, specifically within the Gulf of Guinea.

Incorrect Options:

  • Option (a) Benguela & Falkland: The Falkland Current is located off the southeastern coast of South America, not Africa.
  • Option (b) Canary & Humboldt: The Canary Current is situated in the North Atlantic Ocean, off the northwest coast of Africa. The Humboldt (or Peru) Current flows along the western coast of South America in the Pacific Ocean, not off Africa.
  • Option (c) Agulhas & Guinea: The Agulhas Current flows along the southeastern coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean, which is not the region depicted in the map.
SOURCECertificate Physical and Human Geography by G.C. Leong, Chapter 14: Oceans and Ocean Currents