OCEAN CURRENTS
OF INDIAN OCEAN
CURRNTS OF NORTH
INDIAN OCEAN
The
currents of North Indian Ocean are influenced by the seasonal impact of Monsoon
winds.
South-West
Monsoon Drift (SWMD)
In
the winter season this Current starts from the eastern coasts of Africa under
the influence of monsoon winds and moves along Arabian Peninsula then the
Persian Gulf, the Bay of Bengal and finally disappears in the strait of Melaka.
North-East
Monsoon Drift (NEMD)
During
the summer season the Current originates from the strait of Melaka and after Bay
of Bengal, Persian Gulf and the Arabian Peninsula it reaches the eastern coasts
of Africa and disappears.
CURRENTS OF
SOUTH INDIAN OCEAN
South Equatorial
Current (SEC)
This
Current starts from the western coasts of Indonesia and moves towards coasts of
eastern Africa. It is then deflected towards South and reaches Madagascar
Islands.
Mozambique
Current (MC)
On
striking the Northern borders of Madagascar the South Equatorial Current is
deflected into two branches. One moving along western coasts of Madagascar and
eastern coasts of Mozambique is known as the Mozambique Current.
Madagascar
Current (MC)
The
other branch of South Equatorial Current that moves along the eastern coasts of
Madagascar is known as the Madagascar Current.
Agulhas Current (AC)
When
the waters of Madagascar Current and Mozambique Current reunite and move
further along eastern coasts of Africa the new Current is formed known as
Agulhas Current.
West Wind Drift (WWD)
As
it reaches the borders of eastern coasts of South Africa the Agulhas Current
comes under the influence of strong winds and is deflected towards east as West
Wind Drift.
West Australian
Current (WAC)
On
reaching the Australian western borders this Current comes under influence of
strong winds again and is deflected North wards this time. It is now called
West Australian Current and ultimately joins South Equatorial Current to
complete the Circuit.