The Peru Current has a significant impact on the climate of South America. The cold water of the current keeps the coastal regions cool and dry. This is in contrast to the warm, humid climate of the Amazon rainforest, which is located just to the east of the Andes Mountains. The Peru Current also provides nutrients for the marine ecosystem off the coast of South America. These nutrients support a large population of fish and other marine life, which is a vital source of food for people in the region.