Antarctic Circumpolar Current (West Wind Drift) The largest and most important ocean current in the southern hemisphere. It flows in an eastward direction around Antarctica, and occupies a wide tract of water in the S. Pacific, S. Atlantic, and Indian Oceans. There is very little separation between surface- and bottom water circulation within this area. The current is remarkably constant and is characterized by low salinity (less than 34.7 parts per thousand, and cold waters (−1 to 5°C). It is the only current which flows right around the world.

Antarctic Circumpolar Current(West Wind Drift) The largest and most important ocean current in the southern hemisphere. It flows in an eastward direction around Antarctica, and occupies a wide tract of water in the South Pacific, South Atlantic, and Indian Oceans. There is very little separation between surface- and bottom-water circulation within this area. The current is remarkably constant and is characterized by low salinity (less than 34.7 parts per thousand), and cold waters (−1 to 5°C). It is the only current which flows right around the world.

West Wind Drift See ANTARCTIC CIRCUMPOLAR CURRENT.

West Wind Drift See Antarctic Circumpolar Current.