Eastward Flows of the South Equatorial Central Pacific

Abstract

Data obtained during the Hawaii-to-Tahiti Shuttle Experiment in the central Pacific from the Equator to 17°S are used to study the variability of the two eastward flowing currents in the area: the South Equatorial Countercurrent (SECC), and the South Subsurface Countercurrent (SSCC). The meridional position of the SECC varies between 7 and 14°S, and its transport is affected by the wind stress west of 160°W. In contrast to observations in the eastern Pacific, the SSCC shows seasonal variations and extends as far south as 10°S in austral winter.