Which of the following is/are NOT a cold ocean current?

Question

Which of the following is/are NOT a cold ocean current?

1. Agulhas current

2. Brazil current

3. Humboldt current

4. California current

Select the correct answer from the code given below:

1. A. 1 and 3
2. B. 3 and 4
3. C. 2 and 3
4. D. 1 and 2 (Correct answer)

Correct Answer

Option D — 1 and 2

Detailed Solution & Explanation

The correct answer is 1 and 2.

Key Points

• 1. Agulhas current ✗ is NOT a cold current. It is a warm current flowing southward along the east coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean.
• 2. Brazil current ✗ is NOT a cold current. It is a warm current flowing south along the east coast of South America.
• 3. Humboldt (Peru) current ✓ is cold, flowing north along the west coast of South America.
• 4. California current ✓ is cold, flowing south along the west coast of North America.
• The currents that are *not* cold are 1 and 2, giving option (d).

Additional Information

• The general rule: on the eastern coasts of continents currents tend to be warm, and on the western coasts of continents in the tropics and mid-latitudes they tend to be cold — because of the pattern of subtropical gyres.
• Major warm currents: Gulf Stream, North Atlantic Drift, Kuroshio, Brazil, Agulhas, East Australian, Norwegian.
• Major cold currents: Labrador, Canaries, Benguela, Humboldt (Peru), California, Oyashio, Falkland, West Australian.
• Where warm and cold currents meet, the mixing brings up nutrients and creates the world's great fishing grounds — the Grand Banks off Newfoundland (Gulf Stream meets Labrador) and the waters off Japan (Kuroshio meets Oyashio). Such meetings also produce dense fog.
• The Humboldt current supports one of the richest fisheries on earth through upwelling, which is disrupted during El Niño events.