Benguela Current 
The Benguela Current, a slow-moving current caused mainly by the 
prevailing southeast trades, consists of a coastal part between 25°S 
and 0°, which shows considerable irregularity, and a fairly steady 
oceanic part shown in Figure 7. Its boundaries change very little 
and it is most constant in speed and direction between Cape Aguilhas 
and about 25°S. In this region it sets noes about 50 percent 
of the time and is strongest from November through July, when speeds 
may reach 3 knots at about 35°S, 17°E. North of 25°S the Benguela 
Current is slightly more variable in speed and direction; the frequency 
of the prevailing northwest set falls slightly below 50 percent, 
particularly during August through January. 
Data on winds, which influence the current, are few. Observations 
obtained during a 2-year period along the southwest African coast show 
a@ mean direction of about 169°T during all seasons; the mean wind 
velocity did not show marked seasonal variations. Southerly winds 
appear more persistent with increasing distance from shore, from about 
45 percent of the time within 40 miles to about 80 percent of the time 
250 miles offshore, and cause significant differences between coastal 
and oceanic currents. 
At about 25°S the current begins to widen, and the main axis is 
located closer to the outer boundary with the more persistent offshore 
winds. Near the Equator the current trends toward the west and joins 
the Atlantic South Equatorial Current. 
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