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The Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC) is an ocean current that flows from west to east around Antarctica. An alternative name for the ACC is the West Wind Drift. The ACC is the dominant circulation feature of the Southern Ocean and, at approximately 125 Sverdrups, the largest ocean current.[1] It keeps warm ocean waters away from Antarctica, enabling that continent to maintain its huge ice sheet.
The ACC has been known to sailors for centuries; it greatly speeds up any voyages from west to east, but makes sailing extremely difficult from east to west; though this is mostly due to the prevailing westerly winds. The circumstances preceding the mutiny on the Bounty and Jack London's story "Make Westing" poignantly illustrated the difficulty it caused for mariners seeking to round Cape Horn on the clipper ship route between New York and California. The clipper route, which is the fastest sailing route around the world, follows the ACC around three continental capes - Cape of Good Hope (Africa), Southeast Cape (Australia) and Cape Horn (South America).
What else can I help you with?
What is another name for west wind drift?
The West Wind Drift if also know as the ACC
What is one unobstructed current?
antarctic circumpolar or the "west wind drift"
Is the west wind drift a warm or cold ocean current?
The West Wind Drift, also known as Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC), is a cold current.The above answer is wrong. The ACC is known by many names including "The West Wind Drift" is either a cold or warm current. You can check the information via this website that I found:http://www.parks.tas.gov.au/fahan_mi_shipwrecks/infohut/acc.htm
Which current is a cool ocean current that flows completely around Earth?
The Antarctic Circumpolar Current is a cool ocean current that flows completely around Earth. It is the world's strongest current and plays a crucial role in regulating global climate by connecting the world's oceans.
The only ocean current in the world whose flow is unbroken by any continent?
The West Wind Drift.
Where does the west wind drift flow?
The West Wind Drift, also known as the Antarctic Circumpolar Current, flows from west to east around Antarctica in the Southern Ocean. It is driven by the westerly winds and plays a key role in distributing heat and nutrients around the globe.
What currents transports the most water?
West Wind Drift (Antarctic Circumpolar Current) carries the largest volume of water.
Does the west wind drift occur at 60ºN around the Arctic Circle?
Yes, the West Wind Drift, also known as the Antarctic Circumpolar Current, occurs at approximately 60 degrees south latitude in the Southern Hemisphere, not at the Arctic Circle in the Northern Hemisphere.
Where is the east wind drift?
The East Wind Drift is a major ocean current in the Southern Ocean that flows from west to east. It is located south of Africa and Australia, and plays a key role in circulating water and heat around the globe.
Which ocean current is the only one to completely circle the earth?
The Antarctic Circumpolar Current is the only ocean current that completely circles the Earth. It flows from west to east around Antarctica in the Southern Ocean, making it the largest and most powerful ocean current.
Which surface ocean current travels completely around the globe west to east without interruption?
west drift and east drift
Why is the west wind drift the largest volume current in the world?
The West Wind Drift, also known as the Antarctic Circumpolar Current, is the largest volume current in the world due to its continuous, uninterrupted flow around Antarctica. This current is driven by strong westerly winds and is facilitated by the unique geography of the Southern Ocean, which allows it to circulate freely without significant land barriers. Its vast expanse and the cold water it transports contribute to its immense volume, playing a crucial role in global ocean circulation and climate regulation.
