The correct option is 3 only
Explanation
Ocean currents are continuous movements of seawater driven by forces such as wind, the Coriolis effect, and temperature/salinity differences. They are broadly classified into warm currents (flowing from lower to higher latitudes) and cold currents (flowing from higher to lower latitudes).
Statement-wise Analysis:
- Pair 1 is Incorrect: The Labrador Current is a cold current in the North Atlantic Ocean. It flows southward from the Arctic Ocean along the coast of Labrador and Newfoundland, bringing cold water and icebergs into the North Atlantic.
- Pair 2 is Incorrect: The Gulf Stream is a powerful warm current. It originates in the Gulf of Mexico and flows along the eastern coast of the United States before turning across the Atlantic Ocean towards Europe.
- Pair 3 is Correct: The coast of Japan is the meeting place of the warm Kuroshio Current and the cold Oyashio Current. The convergence of warm and cold currents creates ideal conditions for the growth of plankton, making these regions some of the most productive fishing grounds in the world, though they are also associated with dense fog.
Key Takeaway:
Major fishing grounds are often located where warm and cold currents meet (e.g., Newfoundland where the Gulf Stream meets the Labrador Current, and Japan where Kuroshio meets Oyashio). The Labrador Current is cold, while the Gulf Stream is warm.