In scientific circles, the Pacific Ocean is often called Great and this is due to a number of reasons. Firstly, because its waters wash the borders of five continents. In the west, it adjoins the shores of Eurasia and Australia, in the east - the coast of the continents of North and South America, and in the south - the borders of Antarctica. In other words, the ocean extends on both sides of the equator. Secondly, about half of the world’s water area is exactly the Pacific. Thirdly, this ocean is the deepest and warmest. In its depths, gigantic wind waves and tropical hurricanes originate, which sometimes have destructive effects. And finally, the bottom of the Pacific Ocean has a diverse relief, consisting of underwater ridges, mountain ranges. Therefore, the largest number of islands are concentrated on the surface of this particular ocean.
Warm and cold currents of the Pacific Ocean
Different streams form in the thickness of the Pacific Ocean. This is due to winds that sweep over the water surface of the reservoir with a pressure difference. They circulate so that they form two complete circles in the northern and southern hemispheres. A series of warm currents circulate in the depths of this ocean, which are called so because their temperature is higher than the temperature indicators of the surrounding waters. The surface currents of the Pacific Ocean are also present, but in smaller quantities. They arise due to the impact of the western and trade winds on the surface of the ocean.
Japanese, Alaskan and East Australian Currents
Kuroshio or the Japanese current washes the borders of Japan from the south and east. The current acquired such a name because of the dark blue hue of its waters. It is formed due to the difference in water levels of the East China Sea and the corresponding part of the ocean. The described warm current of the Pacific Ocean redirects the water flows of the South China and East China Seas, which are warm and salty, to the northern latitudes, thereby making their climate milder.
Already in the north-eastern part of this ocean, the Alaskan Current is formed. It flows from the south into the Gulf of Alaska, heads north and turns southwest. Then, passing the Aleutian Islands, it flows into the Bering Sea.
It is no coincidence that the East Australian warm Pacific Ocean was given a similar name. After all, this water stream is the most extensive off the coast of New Zealand and the eastern coast of Australia. Due to this current, the climate on the coasts is tropical. That is, warm and humid weather prevails.
Northern Pacific and Southern Equatorial Currents
In addition to the above, the warm currents of the Pacific Ocean are the North Pacific and Southern Equatorial.
The North Pacific Current takes place at the northern shores of the water area. It is obtained by combining the currents of Kuroshio and Kuril. This body of water extends from the borders of the Japanese islands to the coast of North America.
The South Passat or South Equatorial warm current of the Pacific Ocean is so named because of the winds that form it. Namely, this circulating water stream arises from the winds-trade winds blowing from east to west. The current originates at the border of the shores of South America closer to the Galapagos Islands and moves to the western borders of New Guinea and Australia. Then it branches. One branch of the water turns east. This warm Pacific Ocean in its second part passes into the East Australian Current.
California and Peruvian currents
In addition to warm currents, cooler water circulation forms in the bowels of the Pacific Ocean.
The California Current, which is not only cold, but also superficial, extends in the northern part of the ocean. It washes the coast of California from north to southwest.
The Peruvian cold current of the Pacific Ocean is also called by the name of Humboldt. It is also superficial and shallow. Formed near the western part of South America in the region of Peru and Chile.
Cromwell and Oyashio Current
In the Pacific Ocean, the cold course of Cromwell still flows. It is considered subsurface, and got its name thanks to the American oceanographer, who discovered the course in one of his expeditions.
The Kuril Current or Oyashio originates in the bowels of the Arctic Ocean and washes the Pacific coast from the north-west. This water stream determines the climatic conditions of Kamchatka and Chukotka. The current extends along the coast of Kamchatka, the Kuril Islands and the Japanese islands. Its waters are rich in stocks of fish and other seafood.
Thus, in many respects, on what ocean currents are located near the shores of the continents, their climate and natural diversity depend. Since they carry cold and warm waters, and thereby affect the temperature on the continents and the amount of precipitation.