In addition to the five gyres, which major current is recognized around Antarctica?

In addition to the five gyres, which major current is recognized around Antarctica?

• A. Antarctic Circumpolar Current
• B. El Nino
• C. Gulf Stream
• D. Equatorial Upwelling

Answer: (A)

The concept being tested is recognizing a current that fully circumnavigates a continent. The Antarctic Circumpolar Current flows eastward around Antarctica, driven by strong westerly winds, and links the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. Because it travels uninterrupted around the southern latitudes, it’s the dominant current around Antarctica and the largest by volume. This circumpolar flow also helps isolate Antarctic waters and drives global ocean circulation. The other options are not circumpolar currents: El Niño is a climate pattern in the Pacific, the Gulf Stream is a northern Atlantic current, and Equatorial Upwelling occurs at the equator.

The concept being tested is recognizing a current that fully circumnavigates a continent. The Antarctic Circumpolar Current flows eastward around Antarctica, driven by strong westerly winds, and links the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. Because it travels uninterrupted around the southern latitudes, it’s the dominant current around Antarctica and the largest by volume. This circumpolar flow also helps isolate Antarctic waters and drives global ocean circulation. The other options are not circumpolar currents: El Niño is a climate pattern in the Pacific, the Gulf Stream is a northern Atlantic current, and Equatorial Upwelling occurs at the equator.