Question

What explains the eastward flow of the equatorial counter-current?

Answer 1

Hint: In order find the explanation of the eastward flow of the equatorial counter-current first we have to discuss how equatorial counter-current if formed, where it is found then only, we will be able to reach out to our explanation. This will lead us to a condition that rotation of earth helps us define all these things.

Complete step-by-step solution:
In the above given question we have to find what explains the eastward flow of the equatorial counter-current.
So, let us first discuss the two equatorial currents flowing from east to west.
We know that there are two equatorial currents flowing from east to west - the North electric current and South electric current. In between these two electric currents, there flows an equatorial counter current in the opposite direction, that is from west direction to east. Now, it is said that piling up of water in the area near Brazil, due to the convergence of the two equatorial currents gives rise to the equatorial counter current. This is because in this area due to convergence, the water is raised.
So, we have an area near Brazil where the water is raised because of equatorial current. The water will fall down and flow as a current. But now we have to find in which direction will it come down and flow? This will be decided by the direction of Earth’s rotation. Earth rotates from west to east, so this raised water will come down on its eastern side and will thus flow in the eastward direction because of the rotation of earth.
But however, if the earth would have been rotating from east to west, the piled-up water would have come down on the west side. Therefore, essentially it depends on the rotation of earth so that the eastward flow of equatorial counter current can be explained.

Note: In the above question we got to know that rotation of earth helps us to explain the eastward flow of equatorial counter-current. As the rotation of earth is from west to east so flow is towards east direction but if the rotation would have been from east to west the flow would be towards west direction.