Q. Consider the following statements about the Agulhas current:
  1. It is the is the world’s second fastest ocean current
  2. It aids in transporting cold water from Atlantic Ocean towards Indian Ocean
  3. It flows from south-west towards north-east
Which of the above statements is/are correct?

Answer: 1 Only
Notes:
  1. It is the world's second fastest ocean current: This statement is correct. The Agulhas Current, located off the east coast of South Africa, is indeed one of the fastest ocean currents in the world. It ranks as the second-fastest, with the Gulf Stream in the North Atlantic Ocean being the fastest.
  2. It aids in transporting cold water from the Atlantic Ocean towards the Indian Ocean: This statement is not correct. The Agulhas Current does not transport cold water from the Atlantic Ocean to the Indian Ocean. Instead, it is a warm and swift ocean current that transports warm, tropical water from the Indian Ocean southward along the east coast of South Africa. This warm water is a significant contributor to the region's climate and marine ecosystems.
  3. It flows from south-west towards north-east: This statement is not correct. The Agulhas Current flows from south to north along the east coast of South Africa, moving in a generally southward direction along the coastline. It does not flow from southwest towards northeast. Instead, it flows in the opposite direction, from the southern to the northern part of its path.

This question is part of UPSC Daily 20 MCQ Series Course on GKToday Android app.