What current is formed by cold water flowing southward through the Bering Strait?

The Oyashio Current is formed by cold water flowing southward through the Bering Strait. This current originates from the northern regions surrounding the Arctic and the Bering Sea, where it carries cold, nutrient-rich water. As it travels southward, the Oyashio Current meets warmer currents, leading to significant biological productivity in the regions where these waters converge.

Understanding the geographic and oceanographic characteristics associated with different currents can provide context for the Oyashio Current's role in the North Pacific Ocean. The Oyashio is key to the marine ecology of the area, influencing fish migrations and other marine life. Its cold waters contrast with the warmer Kuroshio Current, which flows northward from the Philippines to Japan, further illustrating the distinct differences between the currents in this region.

The other currents listed are associated with warmer waters or different geographical locations: the Gulf Stream and Florida Current are both warmer currents in the Atlantic, while the Kuroshio Current flows northward along the eastern coast of Japan. Therefore, the correct identification of the Oyashio Current is essential for understanding ocean dynamics in the North Pacific.