West Australian Current facts for kids
The West Australian Current is a cool ocean current. It flows in the Southern Ocean and the southern part of the Indian Ocean.
Contents
What is the West Australian Current?
The West Australian Current is a stream of cool water in the ocean. It moves along the western coast of Australia. This current is important for the weather and environment in that area.
Where Does This Current Begin?
This current starts as part of a bigger flow called the Southern Indian Ocean Current. This current is also part of the huge Antarctic Circumpolar Current. The Antarctic Circumpolar Current is sometimes called the West Wind Drift. It flows all the way around Antarctica.
As the current gets close to Western Australia, it turns north. Then it flows alongside the western coast of Australia. At this point, it becomes known as the West Australian Current.
How Does the Current Change?
The strength of the West Australian Current changes with the seasons. It is usually weaker during the winter months. In the summer, it becomes much stronger. The winds in the area also play a big role in how strong the current is.
Other Currents Nearby
The West Australian Current is not the only ocean current along Western Australia's coast. The Leeuwin Current also flows here. It is special because it flows in the opposite direction to the West Australian Current. There is also the Southern Australian Countercurrent.
These three currents work together. They greatly affect the amount of rain and the overall climate. This is especially true for the southwest region of Western Australia.
See also
In Spanish: Corriente de Australia Occidental para niños
