What explains the eastward flow of the equatorial counter-current?
A
The Earth's rotation on its axis
B
Convergence of the two equatorial currents
Correct Answer
C
Difference in salinity of water
D
Occurrence of the belt of calm near the equator
Explanation
The North and South Equatorial Currents transport large volumes of water westward, causing it to pile up against the western boundaries of ocean basins; the resulting pressure gradient forces water to flow back eastward as the Equatorial Counter-Current. Option (a) is a common distractor because while Earth's rotation influences the Coriolis force, the counter-current is primarily a gravity-driven response to this physical accumulation of water rather than a direct result of rotation. This question tests the core concept of ocean current dynamics and the formation of sea-level gradients.
OceanographyOcean Currents (Equatorial Counter-Current)eastward flowequatorial counter-currentEarth's rotationequatorial currents convergencesalinity differencebelt of calm