Humboldt Current Explained

Humboldt Current cools Pacific 10°.

Humboldt Current flows north along South America’s west coast.

Alexander von Humboldt studied the current in 1802 during his expedition.

Upwelling brings nutrient-rich waters to the ocean surface.

This upwelling creates one of the richest marine ecosystems worldwide.

Humboldt Current provides 18 to 20 percent of global marine fish catch.

Anchovies, sardines, and jack mackerel dominate the fish populations.

Coastal clouds and ocean illustrate Peru's Humboldt Current.

Observatory buildings sit above coastal clouds at sunset.

Coastal clouds form above Peru's productive Humboldt Current.

Coastal Peru shows high chlorophyll-a concentrations near shore.

Jack mackerel stocks recovered after fishing restrictions began in 1998.

Ocean waves break along the western coast of South America.

Coastal clouds form over Peru influenced by Humboldt Current.