South Atlantic Gyre

The South Atlantic Gyre is the subtropical gyre in the south Atlantic Ocean. In the southern portion of the gyre, northwesterly (or southeastward-flowing) winds drive eastward-flowing currents that are difficult to distinguish from the northern boundary of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current.[1] Like other oceanic gyres, it collects vast amounts of floating debris as a garbage patch.[2]

The South Atlantic Gyre (1943)
The worlds oceans currents and gyres based on a "dolphins perspective" with flowing direction
red = warm, blue = cold

Southern boundary
Main article: Antarctic Circumpolar Current

South of this gyre is the Antarctic Circumpolar Current. This current flows from West to East around Antarctica. Another name for this current is the West Wind Drift. This current allows Antarctica to maintain its huge ice sheet by keeping warm ocean waters away. At approximately 125 Sv, this current is the largest ocean current.[3]

Western boundary
Main article: Brazil Current
A tristan thrush on Inaccessible Island, strewn with oceanic trash.

The Brazil Current is the western boundary current of the gyre. It flows south along the Brazilian coast to the Rio de la Plata. The current is considerably weaker than its North Atlantic counterpart, the Gulf Stream.[4]

See also

References
  1. Guhin, S.; Ray, P.; Mariano, A. J.; Ryan, E. H. (2003). "The South Atlantic Current". Ocean Surface Currents. Retrieved 21 October 2009.
  2. "National Geographic Endeavour: At Sea, South Atlantic Gyre (March 18, 2004)". Daily Expedition Report. Lindblad Expeditions - National Geographic. Retrieved 5 April 2014.
  3. Smith, R.; Desflots, M.; White, S.; Mariano, A. J.; Ryan, E. H. (2013). "The Antarctic Circumpolar Current". Ocean Surface Currents. Retrieved 21 October 2009.
  4. Bischof, B.; Rowe, E.; Mariano, A. J.; Ryan, E. H. (2004). "The Brazil Current". Ocean Surface Currents. Retrieved 21 October 2009.
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