Atlantic Equatorial Countercurrent

ocean current, Atlantic Ocean

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June 18, 2026

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The Atlantic Equatorial Countercurrent is an eastward-flowing ocean current located near the equator in the Atlantic Ocean. It is flanked by the westward-flowing equatorial currents. This countercurrent typically lies between 3° and 10° N latitude, shifting south in winter and north in summer. The phenomenon occurs because prevailing trade winds push water westward, raising sea levels in the west. This higher water then flows eastward downslope in the doldrums, where winds are less consistent. The Atlantic Equatorial Countercurrent is most prominent off the coast of Ghana, where it is known as the Guinea Current.1

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equatorial countercurrent
The Atlantic Equatorial Countercurrent is strongest off the coast of Ghana (Africa), where it is known as the Guinea Current. The countercurrent of the Indian Ocean flows only during the northern winter and only south of the equator.
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The Atlantic Equatorial Countercurrent is strongest off the coast of Ghana (Africa), where it is known as the Guinea Current. The countercurrent of the Indian Ocean flows only during the northern winter and only south of the equator.
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Atlantic Ocean
The South Atlantic
Between the equatorial currents, the Equatorial Countercurrent flows toward the east and is particularly well developed off Ghana, where, after combining with a warm, south-flowing extension of the Canary Current, it is known as the Guinea Current. To the south of the high-pressure area of the South Atlantic, the Brazil…
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Between the equatorial currents, the Equatorial Countercurrent flows toward the east and is particularly well developed off Ghana, where, after combining with a warm, south-flowing extension of the Canary Current, it is known as the Guinea Current. To the south of the high-pressure area of the South Atlantic, the Brazil…
Read More