The circle of Indian ocean currents is not fixed or regular. The main reason is seasonal winds of this ocean. These winds change their directions with the change in season. With this, the direction of Indian ocean currents also change.
The currents can be divided into two main parts :
1. Northern Ocean
2. Southern Ocean.
1. Northern Ocean:
- South-West Monsoon Current. Under the impact of south-west monsoons, the Indian oceanic current starts from west and flows towards east, this is called South-West Monsoon Current.
- North Equatorial Current. On the north of equator, the south-west equatorial current has east to west direction. It is a hot water stream.
- North Eastern Monsoon Current. On the north of equator, the North Equatorial Current flows from east to west. It is a hot water stream.
2. Southern Ocean:
In the South hemisphere, mostly the currents have a fixed route which is as follows :
- Southern Current of Equator: It is a hot water stream which flows from east to west in the south of equator.
- Mozambiq Current: It is a part of the southern current of equator. When it hits the eastern coast of Africa then it takes southward direction. It is a hot water current.
- Agulhas Current: Before Malagasi islands, one branch goes towards south, it is called Agulhas Current.
- Western Australian Current: The south Indian oceanic current hits the south-west coast of Australia and one part moves towards north. This is called Western Australian Current. This cold current, at last meets North equatorial current and completes the circle.
