Story: Ocean currents and tides

Circumpolar currents

Circumpolar currents

Ocean currents move clockwise around Antarctica, passing well below New Zealand. The Antarctic Circumpolar Current hugs the edge of the Campbell Plateau before the Chatham Rise deflects it out into the Pacific Ocean. These arrows are simplifications of actual currents whose flows are affected by wind, the temperature and saltiness of water, the shape of the sea floor and the earth's rotation.

Base map: Living Earth

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How to cite this page:

Craig Stevens and Stephen Chiswell, 'Ocean currents and tides - Currents', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/map/5915/circumpolar-currents (accessed 20 March 2024)

Story by Craig Stevens and Stephen Chiswell, published 12 Jun 2006