Lecture 13: The Surface Oceans, Equatorial Upwelling
At the equator,  Ekman transport is also apparent. 
 
  • In the southern hemisphere net transport is to the left of wind - or southward.

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  • In the northern hemisphere net transport is to the right of the wind - or northward.

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    So currents diverge on the equator and (cold) water from the lower ocean layers rises to the surface. 

    This process is called upwelling and cools the surface.

    The eastern Pacific Ocean "cold tongue" is an example of equatorial Ekman upwelling.