The general configuration of the ocean surface circulation in the North Atlantic

(5 degrees - 45 degrees North)

Gulf Stream

Canary

Current

North Equatorial Current

Guyana Current

The Atlantic Rowing race takes place between the Canary Islands (210 miles from the African coast), and the Caribbeans (400 miles north of the South American continent). Although this ocean region is well within the tropics, the ocean currents flowing there are part of a huge circulation system that is extended far to the north, up to mid-latitudes.

 

Two major ocean currents prevail between La Gomera and Antigua: the Canary Current, flowing southwest off the northwestern African coast, and the North Equatorial Current, flowing westward. Another current, the Guyana Current, goes along the South-American coast, and could be encountered by some of the rowers before the end of the race.

 

Both Canary and North Equatorial currents belong to a giant clockwise circular pattern of the surface circulation, called the North Atlantic Subtropical Gyre. In addition to those currents, the Gyre notably includes the very famous Gulf Stream. The ocean surface flow varies constantly, but, over a very long period, has kept a relatively stable large-scale behavior. Hence, in the course of time, major currents have been identified and received a name, such as the Gulf Stream.

 

For a deeper understanding of these ocean currents, go to the Ocean Currents webpage of the Rosentiel School of Marine & Atmospheric Science (RSMAS).