Ocean currents are continuous movements of seawater that influence global climate and marine ecosystems. These dynamic flows are shaped by a combination of forces, including wind, the Earth’s rotation, and differences in water density. The Canary Current is a prominent feature of the North Atlantic Ocean. It plays a considerable role in shaping the regional environment and supporting diverse life forms.
Geographical Location
The Canary Current is situated in the eastern North Atlantic Ocean, forming a crucial part of the larger North Atlantic Gyre. It originates as a branch flowing south from the North Atlantic Current. It extends southwestward along the northwestern coast of Africa, influencing the coastlines of countries such as Morocco, Western Sahara, Mauritania, and Senegal.
The current flows past the Canary Islands, which lend their name to this pathway. Its influence stretches from approximately 36° North latitude, near the Strait of Gibraltar, southward to about 10° North latitude, extending offshore up to 20° West longitude. The Canary Current eventually turns westward, merging with the Atlantic North Equatorial Current.
Key Characteristics
The Canary Current is a wind-driven surface current, primarily propelled by atmospheric winds. It is recognized for its relatively slow speed and broad flow. Its core velocity can reach more than 75 centimeters per second as it passes near the Canary Islands.
A defining attribute of the Canary Current is its cool water temperatures. This cooling effect is partly due to the current transporting water from higher latitudes towards the equator. Upwelling processes, where colder, deeper water rises to the surface, contribute significantly to its cool thermal signature.
Impact on Climate and Marine Life
The cool waters of the Canary Current influence the climate of adjacent landmasses, particularly along the coast of Northwest Africa and the Canary Islands. The current helps moderate coastal temperatures, leading to milder conditions. It also contributes to the formation of fog and can lead to arid conditions inland due to the absence of convection above the cool water.
Beyond its climatic effects, the Canary Current fosters a highly productive marine ecosystem. It is one of the world’s four major coastal upwelling systems. Upwelling brings nutrient-rich deep waters to the surface, creating an environment for the proliferation of phytoplankton, the base of the marine food web. This abundance of nutrients supports a diverse array of marine life. The region influenced by the Canary Current is one of the most productive fishing grounds globally, sustaining robust fisheries and supports coastal communities.