What current flows southward along the west...

🔍 Key Concepts

• Eastern boundary currents along continental west coasts and their typical temperature (warm vs cold) • How cold currents interacting with warm, moist air can create advection fog • General flow direction and position of the major North Pacific currents (Alaska, North Pacific, Davidson, California)

💭 Think About

• Which of these currents is known as a cold current versus a warm current? Cold or warm makes a big difference for fog formation. • Think about which current actually flows southward right along the U.S. West Coast for most of the year, as opposed to offshore or in the opposite direction. • Consider which current is commonly associated in textbooks with cool coastal waters and upwelling off California and Oregon.

✅ Before You Answer

• Verify which named current specifically flows southward along the U.S. West Coast. • Check which current is characterized as cold and is linked to upwelling and fog off California. • Confirm that the other options either flow in a different direction, lie in a different location, or have a different temperature character (not the classic fog-producing current).

What current flows southward along the west coast of the United States and causes extensive fog in that area?

Alaska Current

North Pacific Current

Davidson Current

California Current

🔍 Key Concepts

💭 Think About

✅ Before You Answer