Papua New Guinea Currents
Adapted from McGregor, et al., 2008.
Of significance to the northern coastal PNG region are the equatorial branch of
the South Equatorial Current (SEC), the southern branch of the SEC,
the South Equatorial Counter Current (SECC),
New Guinea Coastal Undercurrent (NGCUC) and the New Guinea Coastal Current
(NGCC). The SEC waters flow into the Coral and Solomon Seas and through the
Vitiaz Strait along the north coast of PNG. The NGCUC runs northward along the coast and turns eastward at about 143°E to become the Equatorial
Undercurrent (EUC). The EUC strengthens during El Nino events. The NGCC
reverses seasonally, depending on the prevailing winds.
Also shown are the East Australia Current and the Great Barrier Reef
Undercurrent.