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Equatorial Pacific Front (STS-26-041-044)
01 October 1988, 4.9°N, 153.5° W

The equatorial Pacific front defines the boundary between surface waters warmed by the sun cold, and recently upwelled water. In this photograph, the front (A) is seen as a line running north/south. For as yet unknown reasons, the front is often oriented north/south, perpendicular to the persistent easterly winds, which drive the equatorial upwelling. The faint lines running perpendicular to the front (B) are wind streaks caused by the easterlies. Small puffy clouds (C) have formed on the left (west) side of the front, indicating warmer water.

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