An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

A cold ocean current that flows northward along the western side of South America, offshore Chile and Peru. Dominate weather in this area includes coastal fog and low clouds. The presence or lack of this current is a vital part of the weather pattern known as El Niño.

See also: Named after the German naturalist and explorer Alexander von Humboldt (1769-1859). → current.