Which type of boundary currents are noted for their fast flow?

Western boundary currents are characterized by their fast flow, primarily due to the conservation of angular momentum and the influence of the Earth’s rotation on ocean currents. These currents form on the western side of ocean basins and tend to be narrow, deep, and warm.

As ocean water moves away from the equator, it is deflected towards the western sides of ocean basins. This convergence of water results in a strong flow. Western boundary currents, such as the Gulf Stream in the Atlantic Ocean, can reach speeds of 2 to 5 knots, making them some of the fastest ocean currents. This phenomenon is essential for climate regulation as these currents transport warm water from the tropics toward higher latitudes.

In contrast, options like eastern boundary currents are usually slower, broader, and cooler, reflecting the opposite characteristics of their western counterparts. Transverse currents and cold currents may refer to broader or more variable flow patterns not primarily categorized by speed. Thus, the specific characteristics of western boundary currents highlight their fast-flowing nature in ocean dynamics.