Australia is the smallest continent on Earth. The oceans that surround Australia are the Pacific Ocean in the east and the Indian Ocean in the northwest. In addition to the oceans, Australia is washed by the Timor and Arafur Seas in the north and the Coral and Tasman Seas in the east.
Eastern ocean
The waters of the Pacific Ocean are deep enough, in some places the mark drops to a depth of 3000 kilometers. In coastal areas, up to 5 km from the coast, shallow water is observed. Due to the variety of tectonic structures of the ocean floor, it has such an uneven structure. And at the site of the shift of two lithospheric plates, the Pacific and Solomon plates, the largest formation of living organisms in the whole world was formed. This reef is Australia's trademark.
Northern ocean
The Indian Ocean is characterized by two currents off the coast of Australia. The South Trade wind is warm and the West Australian is cold. In the area where these currents meet, not the best meteorological conditions are observed: strong fogs, tornadoes, whirlpools, which led to numerous plane crashes and shipwrecks. The people call this place "the devil's triangle", a kind of Bermuda.
Young pools
Australia is also washed by four seas. In the north it is the Timor and Arafur Seas, and in the east the Tasmanovo and Coral Seas. The seas surrounding Australia are special in their own way and attract many tourists throughout the year.
Timor Sea
The Timor Sea, also called the Orange Sea, got its name from an island located on the other side of the sea from Australia. It is located in the monsoon subequatorial climate zone. Typhoons and cyclones often appear here, which rarely damage coastal areas, but more - enterprises in open space. There is also seismic activity from time to time. The rainy season lasts all winter in this area, but the water is always at a high temperature of +25 degrees Celsius. The rivers Mitchell, Victoria, Daily, King and others flow into the Timor Sea. The bottom is uniform in almost the entire area of \u200b\u200bthe sea and its depth is on average 200 meters, with the exception of rare depressions.
The shallow water area is not rich in flora, but it boasts a large abundance of fish. Here tiger sharks, saltwater crocodiles, octopuses and jellyfish are dangerous to humans.
The Timor Sea is a kind of "mine of gas sources". Many oil and gas companies have launched their projects in this sea. And judging by the mood, they are not going to stop.
Arafura sea
The Arafura Sea is in a tropical monsoon climate. It is called Arafur thanks to - alfuras. Drought periods here alternate with abundant rainfall. On average, the water temperature ranges from +25 to +28 degrees. The bottom of the sea, like the Timor one, is almost smooth and its depth is 186 meters, and the largest depression is the Aru - 3860 meters. Typhoons and tornadoes are often formed in the sea area, posing a danger only to small yachts and boats that went out to the open sea.
The Arafura Sea has a large number of exotic vegetation, all kinds of algae and corals, and due to the high salinity, the fauna is less than in the Timor Sea, but in general they are similar. It is home to sharks and barracudas, which can be quite dangerous, but also many species of molluscs, echinoderms and crustaceans.
The Timor and Arafura seas are very similar to each other for a simple reason - they appeared relatively recently as a result of the fact that the level of the oceans rose and flooded the land. Because of this, they are also shallow.
Southernmost sea
The Tasman Sea was discovered by the expedition of Abel Tasman in the 17th century. A feature of the water area is its location in two climatic zones. In the temperate zone, the water temperature on average reaches +19 degrees Celsius, and in the tropical zone it does not drop below +27 degrees. The South Passat Current has a great influence on the sea temperature. The bottom relief is represented by many irregularities: depressions, mountain ranges, hollows and is considered the deepest - the depth of the depression in the Tasmanian depression exceeds 6 km.
IN Tasman Sea there are many coral reefs that have caused more than one shipwreck. And the inhabitants are represented by rare species of mammals, starfish and hedgehogs, and of course large turtles.
Coral sea
Coral is considered the most beautiful of all the seas surrounding Australia. It has such a name due to the presence of an abundant number of coral reefs. Among them belongs. The sea is considered deep sea. There is frequent seismic activity in the Coral Sea. Due to the influence of the warm climate, the lowest temperature mark of the sea is +19 degrees.
The water in the Coral Sea is clear enough to see the bottom at a depth of several meters off the coast. Such exoticism attracts a large number of tourists from all over the world. The fauna is represented by various molluscs, crustaceans and mammals.
Undoubtedly, the seas and oceans of Australia are the most important economic and tourist engines for the development of the entire Australian Union.
Australia is famous for its blue cloudless skies and bright sun, a relatively mild climate and the absence of sudden temperature fluctuations. One of the most interesting and unique countries in the world covers an entire continent.
Climatic features depend on geography. Australia is located on both sides of the southern tropic, between two giant oceans: the Pacific and Indian. The shores of the continent are, as it were, raised, separated by mountains from the water space, so the influence of the seas is minimal.
Australia is the driest continent on Earth. There is very little fresh water here and almost half of the mainland is occupied by tropical deserts known to the whole world: Victoria, Peschanaya, Gibsonovskaya. few in number and almost all drying up. There are not many lakes and they are salty. There are also mountain peaks, but they are rare and not high.
The sheer size of the country determines climatic diversity: from deserts to snowy mountains, from soft warm coastal zones to tropical evergreen forests.
Australia has four climatic zones:
- subequatorial
- tropical
- subtropical
- moderate.
Australia is located in the Southern Hemisphere, so the order of the seasons is mirrored from our usual order in the Northern Hemisphere. Summer begins in December and June is the first winter month.
Subequatorial part
Covers the northern and northeastern part of the mainland. The largest amount of precipitation falls here, mainly in summer. Winters are dry, droughts are not uncommon due to hot winds blowing from the middle of the mainland. The temperature is even throughout the year, on average 23-24 degrees.
Tropical Australia (approximately 40% of the country's territory)
It is divided into two types of climate: tropical continental - hot with minimal rainfall and tropical humid with thunderstorms in summer.
The continental tropical climate covers large areas of deserts and semi-deserts in the center and western part of the mainland. The sand in these places has a characteristic red color due to the large amount of iron contained in it.
The close occurrence of groundwater provides flora and fauna that are quite rich for deserts.
Acacias and eucalyptus trees grow from lonely shrubs into dense thickets and thickets, which are inhabited by lizards, snakes, ostriches and kangaroos. Here is the hottest region of Australia, almost all summer the temperature does not drop below 35 degrees, in winter - 20-25 degrees.
A narrow strip of tropical rainforest extends east of Australia. Southeast winds bring humid air from the Pacific Ocean here. There is a mild warm climate favorable for the development of the richest flora and fauna. Eucalyptus trees, ferns, palms, araucaria and bamboo grow on red ferralite soil. Many forest dwellers are found only in this part of the planet: koala, bird of paradise, marsupial flying squirrel, echidna, platypus and other species.
Subtropics
In turn, they are divided into three types of climate: continental subtropical arid - in the central and southern parts, subtropical humid with uniform precipitation - in the southeast, mixed or Mediterranean - in the east.
The Mediterranean climate is similar to that of Spain and southern France, covering the most inhabited area of \u200b\u200bAustralia. Summers are dry and hot (average temperature 23-27 degrees), winters are warm (12-14 degrees) with sufficient rainfall. Evergreen beech forests, palms and shrubs grow here.
The subtropical continental climate covers the cities of Adelaide and South Wales. It is characterized by a small amount of precipitation and relatively large average annual temperature fluctuations.
The subtropical humid climate covers the cities of Victoria and New South Wales. It has a mild climate and high rainfall, mainly in the coastal area. In summer, an average of 20-24 degrees. In winter, 8-10 degrees. The climate is favorable for growing various vegetables and fruits. True, in order to get a high yield in the summer, it is necessary to artificially irrigate the soil. There is a sufficient amount of forage grasses, so the locals breed dairy cows and sheep on vast pastures.
Temperate zone
It covers the central and southern part of the island of Tasmania and is characterized by abundant rainfall due to the influence of the surrounding water bodies. It is characterized by cool summers (8-10 degrees) and warm winters (14-17 degrees). In winter, snow sometimes falls on the island, but does not lie for a long time. Sheep and cows graze on the island's lush evergreen meadows all year round.
Climate by seasons
Spring starts in September and lasts until the end of November. Wildlife blooms amazingly beautifully on the islands at this time. In spring, the country is neither hot nor cold. The entire continent begins to flourish with wild, vibrant colors.Driest and hottest time - summer in Australia it lasts from December to February. In the center and not far from the deserts, the air warms up over 40 degrees in the shade. There is almost no rain and dry weather lasts almost the entire season.
Gold autumn in Australia it lasts from March to May. Most of the country's reserves, parks and forests take on an amazing red and gold hue. Autumn trees in Orange and foggy forests in Yarra are especially unique. It's time to harvest from the country's many vineyards.
Winter Australia is the best time of the year. Lasts from June to August. This is the rainy season, but they do not come very often. The air temperature rarely exceeds 20 degrees. In winter, the country has especially beautiful nature and the underwater world.
Holidays in Australia
The variety of climatic zones of the country makes it attractive for tourism and recreation. When it is winter in the Northern Hemisphere, in Australia it is summer and this is the best time to travel to the southern part of the country: cities and areas of Brisbane, Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Hobart and Perth.
Australia's dry winter is also the best time to visit the northern parts of the country: Barrier Reef, Darwin, Cairns, Kakadu National Park, Kimberley and Broome.
Interesting facts about the climate of Australia
Cloncurry is the hottest place in the country. Here the temperature rises above 50 degrees in the shade.
In the city of Marble Bar in the western part of the country, the maximum average annual temperature was observed - 34 degrees Celsius.
The absolute minimum temperature was recorded in Eastern Australia in the state of Mitchell - 28 degrees.
Average annual rainfall: minimum recorded in Willpam Creek, in the southern part of the country - 126 mm. The maximum - 3535 mm - was noted in the east at Innisfail.
If you are interested in which oceans wash Australia, it is worth noting that the Green Continent is located in such a way that washes two oceans at once.
Eastern shores of the mainland wash the waters The Pacific, and the northwest of Australia, the Indian Ocean. As for the seas, the north of the country is washed by the Arafur and Timor seas, the east coast is by the Coral Sea, and the southern coast of Australia is washed by the Tasman Sea.
Pacific waters wash the Australian eastern shores.
Characteristic feature the coast and these coastal waters in that shallow water is observed closer to the coast, but already 5 km from Australia in the ocean depths of up to three thousand kilometers begin.
This relief of the seabed of Australia is explained by the presence of different structures of the earth's crust connected in one place - the Pacific and Solomon plates. It was this collision that caused the Great Barrier Reef formed.
The ocean washing Australia from the west is Indian Ocean... Two shallow-water currents come from it to the shores of the Green Continent - the cold Western Australian and the warm South Passat.
Interesting fact! In 1604, at the junction of the South Tradewind and West Australian currents with several tons of gold on board, a pirate ship called the Reeves was sunk.
The places where these currents meet are the locations of the strongest whirlpools, fogs and tornadoes, which often cause shipwrecks and plane crashes. This place is called the Devil's Triangle. But despite this, many adventurers are drawn to see this. dangerous natural phenomenon.
Interested in what seas Australia is washed by? Then you worth knowingthat this continent, unique in its kind, is washed not only by the oceans, but also by the seas entering their vast waters.
North coast of Australia washed by the waters and seas, which are also called twin seas, since they are very similar in flora and fauna.
Characteristic feature the seas of Australia in the north is a year-round high water temperature (about +28 ° C), which contributes to the development of coral buildings.
East Coast Australia washes. And the southeast of the Green Continent is water. Here the water temperature is much lower than in the northern seas of Australia.
Influence of seas and oceans on climate
The seas and oceans of Australia significantly influence the climate of the Green Continent. It is the impact of ocean currents, especially the Indian Ocean dipole, leads to periodic droughts in Australia.
Interesting fact! Affects the climate of Australia, and more specifically on the island of Tasmania, the cold Western Australian current, which does not allow cyclones to form, therefore the climate in this state of the country is moderate.
In addition, the oceans and seas that wash Australia affect precipitationon the mainland. For example, seasonal tropical low pressures form cyclones in the northern part of the country, causing precipitation. This period is called the wet season and is characterized by high humidity and high temperatures.
Gifts of the seas and oceans
In addition to being ideal for relaxation, the Indian and Pacific Ocean waters surrounding Australia, they also allow the Green Continent to be one of the world's leading suppliersseafood.
The seas and oceans that wash Australia are inhabited by a variety of marine animals.
Some of them are found only off the coast of the Green Continent. These are eels from Fitzroy, and mussels from Brai Island, and Tasmanian salmon, and crustaceans of Morton Bay, as well as the famous Sydney oysters and barramundi fish, which is found exclusively in northern Australian waters.
The oceans washing Australia, as well as the seas allow this continent to have unique flora and fauna, as well as varied climate... Vacation on the islands located in the oceans and seas surrounding Australia is very popular with locals and tourists from all over the world.
Secluded corners with a unique plant and natural worldand white beaches are real paradises, and a vacation on the Coral Sea, in the waters of which you can go diving, will leave an unforgettable experience.
Briefly about the main thing!
§ 27. Climate and land waters of Australia
Remember: 1. What factors influence the formation of the climate of a certain territory? 2. Characteristic features of the climate in Africa and South America? 3. In what climatic zones are Africa and South America located?
General features of the climate of Australia. Australia is the driest continent in the world. Precipitation here falls 5 times less than in Africa, and the air temperatures are just as high. Features of the climate of the continent are determined by the influence of certain climatic factors.
Australia is located in tropical latitudes and therefore receives a large amount of solar energy. The northern part of the mainland is in a hot heat zone, while the southern part is in a temperate one.
The climate of Australia is significantly influenced by the circulation of the atmosphere and underlying surface, the relief and the significant extent of the territory from east to west. The mainland is located in the zone of action of constant winds - southeastern trade winds, which are formed mainly over the surface of the Pacific Ocean (Fig. 59).
The southeast trade wind moves moisture-laden air masses from the ocean to the mainland, as a result of which the eastern slopes of the Great Dividing Range are under the influence of humid sea air all year round. It receives a lot of rainfall throughout the year.
Explain how trade winds are formed. What kind of weather do they bring to Australia?
Figure: 59. Features of climate-forming factors in Australia
The mountain system on the way of the trade winds retains almost all moisture, and the air overcomes the Great Dividing Range, warms up and does not give precipitation. Therefore, continental air masses are formed in the central and western expanses of Australia, which leads to the formation of deserts. In addition, the length of Australia from east to west along the Southern Tropic is 1.5 times that of Africa. Therefore, here the average air temperatures are higher than in Africa, and the amount of precipitation is much less.
The southern part of Tasmania and the South Island of New Zealand is influenced by the constant wind of the western transfer of temperate latitudes. Throughout the year, it carries moist air masses from the Indian Ocean, which contributes to uniform moisture in these areas.
The climate of the western, southern and eastern coasts of Australia is significantly influenced by cold and warm sea currents.
Australia's location in the Southern Hemisphere defines a seasonal alternation between months that does not correspond to the seasons in the Northern Hemisphere. Consider how climatic conditions in Australia change throughout the year.
In December, January and February, the Sun is at its zenith in the South Tropic. It's summer in Australia. An area of \u200b\u200bhigh atmospheric pressure is located in the south of the mainland. The mainland is getting very hot, so the air entering the interior of Australia becomes even drier. Only in the north of the continent, in the subequatorial zone, where equatorial air masses penetrate at this time, is it hot and humid.
In June, July and August, when the Sun's zenith position moves to the Northern Hemisphere, winter comes to Australia. The area of \u200b\u200bhigh atmospheric pressure is moving north and is located over the central region of Australia. The mainland is cooling a little, and air masses move from land to ocean. Precipitation falls only in the extreme south.
Climatic zones. The territory of Australia is located in three climatic zones: subequatorial - in the north, in the tropical - in the center and subtropical - in the south (Fig. 60, p. 130). In the extreme north of Australia, a subequatorial climate is formed. In summer (January), during the dominance of equatorial air masses, it is humid and warm here. The average air temperature is +28 ° С. The amount of precipitation exceeds 1000 mm per year. In winter (July), tropical air masses come in, causing dry and hot weather (+ 24 ° C).
Explain why Australia has higher average temperatures and much less rainfall than Africa.
Track how cold and warm currents affect rainfall distribution in Australia on a climate map.
Figure: 60. Climatic zones and regions of Australia
The largest area in the middle of the mainland is occupied by the tropical climatic zone. Within this belt, just like in Africa, two climatic regions are distinguished: desert (continental) and moisture (sea). A hot and arid continental climate prevails over most of the continental area. Precipitation here is less than 200 mm per year, and the air temperature throughout the year ranges from +16 to +32 ° С. Sometimes it rises to +48 ° С, and there is no rain for several years in a row. However, heavy showers do occur when the annual precipitation rate falls in 2-3 days.
The maritime climate is formed only on a narrow strip of the eastern coast to the Great Dividing Range. Temperature fluctuations during the year are less here, and a significant amount of precipitation (more than 1500 mm) is evenly distributed throughout the year.
In the south of Australia, a subtropical climate zone has formed. In the southwestern part of it, the Mediterranean region was formed. It is characterized by dry hot (+ 24 ° С) summer during the dominance of tropical air masses and more moisture (500 -600 mm), cool (+ 12 ° С) winter, due to moderate air masses. In the middle part of the belt, through the influence of the cold current on the climate, an arid continental area was formed, and in the southeast, under the influence of the trade winds, an area with uniform moisture (sea) (more than 1500 mm) was formed.
Explain what factors determine the formation of the marine and continental climate within the tropical climate zone of Australia. Compare these climates with those in Africa.
The southern parts of the islands of Tasmania and New Zealand are located in the temperate zone, where cool summers (+ 16 ° С), warm winters (+ 8 ° С) and an even distribution throughout the year of a significant amount of precipitation (2500 mm) brought from the ocean by the western wind ...
Sushi waters. Due to the prevailing dry and hot climate, Australia has little surface water and a lot of groundwater.
Rivers and lakes of the mainland belong to three basins: internal flow (60% of the area), Indian and Pacific oceans.
Only in the east, in the mountains, where there is a sufficient amount of precipitation, short rivers do not dry up. In the rest of the territory, they have no continuous water flow. In the interior desert and semi-desert areas, there are a lot of dry channels, which are called krіkami. Water appears in them only during rare rains. All rivers of the mainland are fed by rain and groundwater.
The most full-flowing river in Australia is the Murray. It originates from the Great Dividing Range and carries waters to the Indian Ocean. During the rains, the river spreads widely over the flat plain. This happens extremely quickly, but does not last long. The tributary of the Murray - the Darling River - dries up in the lower reaches during the dry period and forms several separate bodies of water. Therefore, navigation on these rivers is problematic. All rivers, especially the Murray-Darling system, are used for irrigation.
On the territory of Australia there are a large number of lakes belonging mainly to the basin of internal flow. Most of them have no drain, so they are salty. The lakes have a relict origin, that is, they arose after the dismissal of the Central Lowland from the waters of the ancient sea. The filling of the lake basins with water depends on the season. In the dry season, the lakes sometimes dry up completely. The largest body of water on the mainland is Lake Eyre, the water level of which lies below sea level. During drought, the surface area of \u200b\u200bthe lake decreases sharply, it breaks up into many small lakes. There are no living organisms in the lake, therefore it is also called the "dead heart of Australia".
Determine the boundaries of Australian river runoff basins from atlas maps. Explain the reasons for the unequal area of \u200b\u200bthe pools and their location.
Explain why Murray suffers less than Darling from lack of freedom.
The lack of surface water is partially offset by the richness of groundwater, which lie in numerous artesian basins. The artesian waters of Australia are brackish, therefore they are used for watering sheep and technical needs. In the Central Lowland, artesian wells are practically the only source of fresh water.
Briefly about the main thing!
Australia is the driest continent on the planet. Most of the mainland is dominated by a dry tropical climate, dominated by continental tropical air masses.
In the north of the continent, a subequatorial climate has formed, in the south - a subtropical one. This is due to changes in pressure areas, types of air masses, the action of trade winds and westerly winds of temperate latitudes.
Australia's land waters are unevenly distributed. Rivers and lakes often dry up. The lakes are salty. The lack of surface water is partially offset by groundwater, which in Central and Western Australia is practically the only source of water supply.
1. What climate-forming factors influence the formation of the climate in Australia?
2. Name the main and transitional climatic zones within Australia, describe them.
3. Why does Australia have little surface water and a lot of groundwater?
4. Name and map the largest rivers and lakes in Australia.
5. Compare the subequatorial, tropical and subtropical climatic zones of Africa and Australia. Explain the reasons for the differences in climate.
6. What are the reasons why Australia is the driest continent on Earth.
Currents:
Benguela current- cold Antarctic current.
It arises south of the Cape of Good Hope as a branch of the Western Wind and goes to the north. Reaches the Namibaw area of \u200b\u200bAfrica.
Western Australian Current - cold current in the south-eastern part of the Indian Ocean. It flows off the western shores of Australia from south to north, represents the northern branch of the Western Winds. In the tropical zone of the Southern Hemisphere, part of the Western Australian Current passes into the South Tradewind Current, and part of it dissipates in the Timor Sea.
The current speed is 0.7-0.9 km per hour, salinity is 35.5-35.70 grams per liter. The water temperature along the course varies from 19 to 26 ° C in February and from 15 to 21 ° C in August.
Madagascar current- warm surface currents of the Indian Ocean on the eastern and southern shores of Madagascar; branch of the South Tradewind Current.
Directed to the south and southwest at a speed of 2-3 km / h. The average water temperature on the surface per year is up to 26 ° C. The salinity of the water is more than 35 ‰. In the southwest, it partially connects with the warm current of Cape Igolny.
Mozambican current- warm surface currents in the Mozambique Strait, in the western part of the Indian Ocean; branch of the South Tradewind Current. Directed to the south, along the coast of Africa, where it passes into the Current of Cape Agulhas.
North trade wind current- warm surface currents in the Mozambique Strait, in the western part of the Indian Ocean; branch of the South Tradewind Current. Directed to the south, along the coast of Africa, where it passes into the Current of Cape Agulhas.
Speed \u200b\u200bup to 2.8 km / h (from November to April). The average water temperature at the surface per year is up to 25 ° C. Salinity is 35 ‰.
North equatorial current- warm sea current in the Quiet, Atlantic and Indian oceans.
In the Pacific Ocean, the North Equatorial (North Tradewind) Current arises from the deflection of the California Current and flows between 10 ° and 20 ° N latitude westward until it deflects in front of the east coast of the Philippines and passes into the warm Kuroshio Current.
In the Atlantic Ocean, it arises from the Canary Current and flows between 10 ° and 30 ° north latitude in the northwest direction, being one of the sources of the Gulf Stream.
In the Indian Ocean, the direction of the North Equatorial Current depends on the season. During the winter months, when the rainy season falls from the northeast, it is a slight westerly current along the Equator. In the summer months, when it rains from the southwest, the Somali current intensifies, flowing northeastward along the coast of Africa, turning eastward, bypassing India.
Somali current-current in the Indian Ocean of the Somali Peninsula. The fastest current in the open ocean, can reach speeds of 12.8 km / h
Changes its direction in seasons, caused by monsoon winds. During the summer monsoon (July - August), with a south-westerly wind, it reaches a width of about 150 km and a thickness of about 200 m in the stream. In summer, waters rise from the depths along the eastern coast of Somalia. The water temperature sometimes drops to 13 ° (at the surface). In winter, the northeastern monsoon interrupts the Somali current and turns it southwest. The rise of water from the depth practically stops.
The current of Cape Igolny, or the Agulhas flow- the warm western boundary current in the Southwest Indian Ocean, which is part of the westward South Equatorial Current. Mainly runs along the western coast of Africa. The current is narrow and fast (on the surface, the speed can reach 200 cm / s).
Equatorial countercurrent- a powerful countercurrent in the interval between the North trade wind and the South trade wind, observed in the equatorial region around the entire globe in the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian oceans.
Surface countercurrents in the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans have been known since the 19th century. These currents are directed to the east against the prevailing winds and against the movement of the main surface currents. Inter-trade countercurrents are caused by the transverse unevenness of the prevailing winds (trade winds), therefore their speed and flow rate fluctuate significantly, up to disappearance, depending on the strength and uniformity of the winds.
In the middle of the 20th century, subsurface and even deep countercurrents were discovered. Including the powerful equatorial subsurface countercurrents of the Cromwell Pacific current and the Lomonosov current in the Atlantic oceans. Subsurface equatorial currents are caused by a pressure gradient and move in a narrow flow eastward under the westward trade wind current.
During the period of weakening of the trade winds, subsurface countercurrents can “come out” to the ocean surface and be observed as surface currents.
South Tradewind Current- named for the prevailing winds in the region - the trade winds blowing from the east to the west - the warm current in the World Ocean, passing through the southern tropical latitudes.
In the Pacific Ocean, it starts off the coast of South America, approximately in the Galapagos Islands, and goes west to the shores of New Guinea and Australia.
The northern boundary of the current ranges from 1 degree north latitude in summer to 3 degrees south latitude in winter.
At the western coast of the Pacific Ocean, the current splits into branches - part of the current turns eastward, merging into the Equatorial Countercurrent. Another major branch of the current is the East Australian Current, which begins off the coast of Australia.