Surface thermal characteristics of the Angola-Benguela front

Abstract

The Angola–Benguela frontal zone of the South-East Atlantic Ocean was investigated by means of satellite-derived weekly maps of sea surface temperature for the period 1982–1985. The investigation shows that the Angola–Benguela front is a permanent feature at the sea surface and is maintained throughout the year in a narrow band of latitude, between 14 and 16°S, with a general west to east orientation. Seasonal fluctuations of the front occur with regard to geographical location, width, seaward extent, temperature gradient and eddy formation in the frontal zone. The position of the front comes about as a result of a combination of factors, the most notable being wind stress, coastal orientation, bottom topography and north and south movements of warm and cold water associated with the Angola Current and the Benguela upwelling system.