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Guiana Current

ocean current, Atlantic Ocean
Also known as: Guyana Current

Guiana Current, surface oceanic current, a northwest-flowing branch of the Atlantic South Equatorial Current along the northern coast of South America. North of the Equator, the Atlantic North Equatorial Current and Amazon and Orinoco rivers contribute to the Guiana Current. As a result of river drainage, its salinities are at times relatively low, varying between 35 and 36.5 parts per thousand. The shallow Guiana Current has an annual range in surface temperature of 79° to 82° F (26° to 28° C).

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