The currents of the South Pacific Ocean, like those of the South Atlantic Ocean, show the effects of the atmospheres anticyclonic circulation.

SOUTH EQUATORIAL CURRENT. The northern South Pacific is dominated by the South Equatorial Current. It flows east to west just south of the Equatorial Countercurrent. On reaching its western limit, it turns southward and becomes the EAST AUSTRALIAN CURRENT. 

EAST AUSTRALIAN CURRENT. The East Australian Current is an extension of the South Equatorial Current. It flows south along Australias east coast and brings warm waters to the northern and western coasts of New Zealand. As a result, the eastern coast of Australia and the western coast of New Zealand are warmer than their opposite coasts. At its southern limit, the East Australian Current meets the West Wind Drift Current. The West Wind Drift Current flows across the Pacific along or around the 50th parallel, where a branch flows north as the PERU or HUMBOLDT CURRENT.

PERU OR HUMBOLDT CURRENT. The Peru Current dominates the coastal waters of western South America. The waters are relatively cold, and there is considerable upwelling off the coasts of Chile and Peru. Coastal fogs and low clouds are characteristic of the area.

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