Falkland Current: The Cold Arteries of the South Atlantic
The Falkland Current is a powerful cold-water system that plays a critical role in shaping the marine environment of the South Atlantic. Flowing northward along the Atlantic coast of Patagonia, this current reaches as far north as the mouth of the Río de la Plata. Named after the Falkland Islands (known in Spanish as Islas Malvinas), it serves as a vital link between the frigid waters of the south and the temperate zones of the north.
Origins and Movement
The current originates from the West Wind Drift as water rounds Cape Horn. Specifically, the Falkland Current is a branch of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current, the massive system that encircles the Antarctic continent. Unlike many ocean currents that only affect the surface, the Falkland Current is a deep-reaching flow that extends all the way to the sea-floor.
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Hydrographic Characteristics
As an equatorward flowing current, it transports cold and relatively fresh subantarctic water. The scale of this movement is immense, transporting between 60 and 90 Sverdrups (a unit used to measure the volume of water transport in ocean currents). The water moves at speeds ranging from 0.5 to 1 meter per second.
From a chemical and thermal perspective, the current is characterized by typical temperatures of approximately 6 °C and a salinity range of 33.5 to 34.5 psu (practical salinity units). It is important to note that hydrographic data for this region remains scarce, meaning some variables in current research may contain a significant margin of error.
The Brazil-Falkland Confluence
One of the most significant oceanographic events occurs in the Argentine Sea, where the cold Falkland Current meets the tropical Brazil Current. This meeting point is known as the Brazil-Falkland Confluence. The mixing of these two contrasting water masses is what gives the region its distinct temperate climate.
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Key Facts
- Origin: A branch of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current flowing from the West Wind Drift.
- Reach: Flows along Patagonia to the mouth of the Río de la Plata.
- Depth: Extends from the surface down to the sea-floor.
- Volume: Transports 60 to 90 Sverdrups of water.
- Temperature: Typically around 6 °C.
- Salinity: Ranges between 33.5 and 34.5 psu.
Summary of Current Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Water Type | Cold, relatively fresh subantarctic water |
| Flow Speed | 0.5 to 1.0 m/s |
| Transport Volume | 60–90 Sverdrups |
| Average Temperature | ~6 °C |
| Salinity Range | 33.5–34.5 psu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the Falkland Current come from?
It is a branch of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current, resulting from the movement of water from the West Wind Drift as it rounds Cape Horn.
How does the Falkland Current differ from the Brazil Current?
The Falkland Current is a cold, deep-reaching flow extending to the sea-floor, whereas the Brazil Current is a tropical surface current.
What happens when the Falkland and Brazil currents meet?
They meet in the Argentine Sea at the Brazil-Falkland Confluence, where their mixing creates a temperate climate for the area.
What is a Sverdrup in the context of this current?
A Sverdrup is a unit of measurement for the volume of water transported by an ocean current; the Falkland Current moves between 60 and 90 Sverdrups.
Is the Falkland Current only on the ocean surface?
No, unlike some other currents, the Falkland Current extends through the entire water column down to the sea-floor.