Indian Equatorial Countercurrent

The Indian Equatorial Countercurrent is an eastward flow of oceanic water near the equator, which is unusual because the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans typically have westward equatorial currents. This countercurrent is primarily located south of the equator and is only present during the northern winter (November to March).12

During this period, the Indian North Equatorial Current flows southwest and west, crossing the equator. The Equatorial Countercurrent then flows east between this current and the westward current south of the equator driven by the southeast trade winds. This phenomenon is linked to the seasonal monsoon winds, and the countercurrent is not present during the southwest monsoon (April to October).12