Final answer:
The Equatorial Countercurrent is an oceanic current that flows eastward near the equator due to the unequal heating of the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. It helps equalize the temperatures between the hemispheres and plays a role in moderating the climate in the Southern Hemisphere.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Equatorial Countercurrent is an oceanic current that flows eastward near the equator. It exists because of the unequal heating of the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. Due to the tilt of the Earth's axis, the Northern Hemisphere receives more direct sunlight during its summer, causing it to be warmer, while the Southern Hemisphere receives less direct sunlight, leading to cooler temperatures.
The unequal heating of the hemispheres creates a pressure gradient that drives the Equatorial Countercurrent from east to west. It acts as a buffer, helping to equalize the temperatures between the hemispheres. The countercurrent, along with the ocean's thermal capacity, plays a role in moderating the climate in the Southern Hemisphere.