The East Greenland Current is one of the major ocean currents flowing along the eastern coast of Greenland. This current is part of the broader system of currents in the North Atlantic Ocean, playing a critical role in the global thermohaline circulation.
The East Greenland Current originates in the Arctic Ocean, where cold, dense water from the Arctic drifts southwards. It flows along the eastern edge of Greenland, moving southward through the Fram Strait between Greenland and Svalbard. Here, it merges with waters from the Transpolar Drift and other currents, carrying ice, freshwater, and cold water along its path. The current then continues along Greenland's eastern coast, past Cape Farewell, where some of its waters are deflected into the Irminger Current and the North Atlantic Current.
The East Greenland Current has several notable impacts:
Historically, the East Greenland Current has been recognized for its role in shaping the maritime environment of Greenland and its surrounding regions. Early explorers and whalers noted the ice conditions and cold temperatures associated with this current. Studies on ocean currents intensified during the 20th century, with research focusing on its interaction with other currents and its broader climatic impacts.
Recent studies continue to investigate how the East Greenland Current responds to climate change, including:
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