The NAC originates from where the Gulf Stream turns north at the Southeast Newfoundland Rise, a submarine ridge that stretches southeast from the Grand Banks of Newfoundland. The NAC flows northward east of the Grand Banks, from 40°N to 51°N, before turning sharply east to cross the Atlantic. It transports more warm tropical water to northern latitudes than any other boundary current; more than 40 Sv () in the south and 20 Sv () as it crosses the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. It reaches speeds of near the North American coast. Directed by topography, the NAC meanders heavily, but in contrast to the meanders of the Gulf Stream, the NAC meanders remain stable without breaking off into eddies.
The NAC originates from where the Gulf Stream turns north at the Southeast Newfoundland Rise a. submarine ridge that stretches southeast from the Grand Banks of Newfoundland. The NAC flows northward east of the Grand Banks, from 40°N to 51°N before turning sharply east to cross the Atlantic It transports more warm tropical water to northern latitudes than any other boundary current;. more than 40 Sv () in the south and 20 Sv () as it crosses the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. It reaches speeds of near the North American coast Directed by topography, the NAC me,anders heavily, but in contrast to the meanders of the Gulf Stream, the NAC meanders remain stable without breaking off into eddies.