Cromwell current facts for kids
The Cromwell Current is like a hidden river flowing deep beneath the surface of the Pacific Ocean. It's a powerful ocean current that moves from west to east along the Equator. Imagine a giant, invisible highway for water!
This amazing current was discovered in 1952 by a scientist named Townsend Cromwell. That's why it's named after him!
What is the Cromwell Current?
The Cromwell Current is a very wide and strong flow of water. It's about 250 miles (400 kilometers) wide. This makes it much wider than most rivers you might know!
It flows about 300 feet (around 90 meters) below the ocean's surface. This means you wouldn't see it if you were sailing on the ocean. It's truly a "submarine river."
Why is the Cromwell Current Important?
The Cromwell Current plays a huge role in the ocean's health. It carries a lot of oxygen and important nutrients across the Pacific Ocean.
- Oxygen: Just like we need oxygen to breathe, marine animals need oxygen in the water to survive. The current brings fresh, oxygen-rich water to different areas.
- Nutrients: These are like food for tiny ocean plants called phytoplankton. These tiny plants are the base of the entire ocean food web.
Because it carries so much oxygen and nutrients, the areas where the Cromwell Current flows are very rich in marine life. Many different kinds of fish, sharks, and other sea creatures thrive there. It helps create a healthy and vibrant ocean ecosystem.
