Ocean Currents

Ocean Currents and Their Effects on Climate

• The air absorbs moisture from oceans, which is released as rain when cooled.

• Agulhas Current:

  • Warm current flowing south along the east coast of southern Africa.
  • Brings warm water from equatorial Indian Ocean to South Africa's east coast.
  • Largest influence on Durban's climate.

• Benguela Current:

  • Cold current bringing cold water from the Southern Ocean to the west coast of southern Africa.
  • Cools temperatures in west coast areas, resulting in less rainfall and fog formation.
  • Port Nolloth experiences fog for over a quarter of the year.