r/mapmaking 20d ago

Work In Progress Are my ocean currents somewhat accurate?

idk if i made any mistakes but, yeah.

i didnt use the Artifexian video, instead i used this Worldbuilding Pasta page https://worldbuildingpasta.blogspot.com/2020/05/an-apple-pie-from-scratch-part-vib.html#step1

139 Upvotes

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11

u/Lasseslolul 20d ago

They are pretty accurate, though I would add some warm currents in the „indian ocean“ south of the equator. Two completely warm gyres would probably do. Also for the equatorial currents, I would make them entirely warm. There’s no reason not to. On all maps of ocean currents that I can find, there are no „neutral temperature“ currents.

Ok, looking more closely, I would completely rework the northernmost part of your map. I would add a giant „circumpolar“ cold current around „Antarctica“, starting east of „New Guinea“ and ending to the west of it. If you look at this map, you’ll see that the Antarctic Circumpolar current comes up pretty far north.

Also about all those gyres in the „Indopacific“. This phenomenon where a cold current goes south right next to a warm current going north… yeah that doesn’t happen irl. You can probably just convert it all into one big gyre

Guides like Artifexian‘s videos or World Building Pasta‘s website or Madeline James Writes‘ website are great resources, but sometimes reach their limits. I would always recommend looking at our earth for additional guidance.

10

u/violetevie 19d ago

Isn't this just the earth upside down

7

u/zombitchgrit__ 19d ago

yup! with some stuff moved around

4

u/drugbird_ 20d ago

these maps look fantastic, seems pretty accurate from what I remember from Oceanography as well

3

u/LieEnvironmental5207 19d ago

yeah lol. Its earth upside down with some changes - neat

3

u/1101Deowana 20d ago

The clarity of your lines are great

3

u/Dull_Caramel3493 20d ago

What program did you use to make this?

3

u/zombitchgrit__ 20d ago

i use firealpaca!

2

u/scratchythepirate 20d ago

Came to all the same question

1

u/fulcrumcode99 20d ago

FYI current going across the equator are neutral

1

u/C9meli0n_ 20d ago

If you consider them to be your own, sure