Falkland Current (Malvin Current ) 
The Falkland Current originates mainly from the Cape Horn Current 
in the northern part of Drake Passage. After passing through the 
strait, the current sets north between the continent and the Falkland 
Islands and follows the coast of South America until it joins the 
Brazil Current at about 36°S near the entrance to Rio de la Plata. 
Figure 15 shows the monthly changes in the northern limit of the 
current northeast of the mouth of Rio de la Plata. These changes 
appear to result mainly from the volume of seasonal river discharge, 
which is greatest during May and June; during this period the river 
outflow has been reported to have extended a considerable distance 
eastward, at times as far as 37°W, or a distance of about 1,200 
nautical miles. 
Within 20 nautical miles of the coast, tidal currents predominate. 
Between 30 and 50 nautical miles from the coast the current is stronger 
and may reach speeds to 3 knots off headlands; however, southerly sets 
have been observed under the influence of northerly winds. Beyond 
50 nautical miles of the coast the Falkland Current usually sets 
north-northeast. The current has been described as easily influenced 
by, and changing direction with, the wind; however, there are few 
storms to affect the current, and wind speeds seldom exceed 25 knots, 
most frequently averaging 13 knots. The constancy of the current 
during the northern summer of July and August is indicated by 55 per- 
cent of the observations setting 025° at a mean speed of 0.8 knot. 
Strongest southerly winds cause a maximum speed of about 2 knots. 
Fewer observations available during the northern winter months of 
January and February indicate some change in the current. Primarily, 
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