Which of the following currents are cold currents?
1. Labrador current
2. Oyashio current
3. Benguela current
4. Alaska current

Correct option is B

Cold currents are ocean currents that move from the polar regions towards the Equator. These currents bring cold water into warmer regions, significantly impacting climate and marine biodiversity. Cold currents are generally found along the west coasts of continents in the low and middle latitudes and on the east coasts in higher latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere.
· Labrador Current: This cold current originates in the Arctic Ocean and moves southward along the coast of Canada and Newfoundland. It significantly influences the climate and marine ecosystems in these regions.
· Oyashio Current: Also known as the Kuril Current, it is a cold current that flows southward from the Bering Sea along the eastern coast of Russia and Japan. It plays a crucial role in maintaining the cold waters in the North Pacific region.
· Benguela Current: It is a cold current that originates in the Southern Ocean near Antarctica and flows northward along the southwestern coast of Africa. This currently supports one of the world’s most productive marine ecosystems.
Information Booster:
· Cold currents help moderate coastal temperatures by bringing cooler waters from polar regions. They contribute to upwelling, which supports marine life by bringing nutrient-rich water from the deep ocean to the surface. Cold currents are generally found on the west coast of continents in lower latitudes. They influence global climate patterns, impacting precipitation and weather systems. The interaction of warm and cold currents often creates fog, like in the case of the Labrador Current and the Gulf Stream near Newfoundland. Some other well-known cold currents include the California Current, Falkland Current, and Peru (Humboldt) Current.
Additional Knowledge:
(A) Labrador Current
· Originates in the Arctic Ocean and flows southward along the eastern coast of Canada.
· It merges with the Gulf Stream, causing heavy fog and unstable weather in the North Atlantic.
· The presence of icebergs in the Atlantic shipping lanes is due to this current.
· It has a major role in marine biodiversity, supporting fish populations like cod.
(B) Oyashio Current
· Also known as the Kuril Current, it originates from the Bering Sea.
· Flows southward along the eastern coast of Russia and Japan.
· Cold waters from this current result in low evaporation and drier conditions along coastal regions.
· When it meets the warm Kuroshio Current, it creates rich fishing grounds, supporting Japan's fisheries.
(C) Benguela Current
· Originates near Antarctica and flows northward along Southwest Africa.
· It causes arid conditions along the Namib Desert due to reduced evaporation.
· Supports one of the world’s richest fishing zones by bringing nutrient-rich waters.
· Plays a role in the climate patterns of South Africa and Namibia.