UPSC Express

Q19. Consider the following pairs: Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

Ocean Current Coast Affected

1. Humboldt – Brazil

2. Aghulas -Africa

3. Irminger -USA

A. 1 and 2 only

B. 2 and 3 only

C. 2 only

D. 1 and 3 only

Answer: C

Exp: Ocean currents are large masses of surface water that circulate in regular patterns around the oceans. Those that flow from equatorial region towards pole are warm currents as they have higher surface temperature. Those that flow from polar regions towards equator are cold currents as they have lower surface temperature. The Humboldt Current, also called the Peru Current, is a major Eastern Boundary Upwelling Ecosystem that flows north along the western coast of South America. It is an eastern boundary current flowing in the direction of the equator, and extends 500-1,000 kilometers offshore. The Agulhas Current is the western boundary current of the southwest Indian Ocean. It flows down the east coast of Africa from 27°S to 40°S. It is narrow, swift and strong. The Irminger Current is a North Atlantic ocean current setting westward off the southwest coast of Iceland. It is composed of relatively warm and saline waters from the eastern North Atlantic that are fed by the North Atlantic Drift.