Question map
Which one of the following is correct? Bengula current flows
Explanation
The Benguela Current is a cold ocean current that flows northward along the southwest coast of Africa [1][t2]. It originates from a branch of the South Atlantic Current that splits at the southern tip of Africa, moving along the west coasts of South Africa and Namibia before joining the South Equatorial Current [c1][t9]. This current forms the eastern boundary of the South Atlantic subtropical gyre [t4]. It is characterized by significant coastal upwelling of cold, nutrient-rich waters, which supports highly productive fisheries in the region [t1][t5]. In contrast, the Brazilian coast is influenced by the warm Brazil Current [c2], the Spanish and North African coasts are associated with the Canary Current [t4][t5], and the west coast of the United States is bordered by the California Current [t5][t7]. Therefore, the Benguela Current is specifically located off the southwest African coast.
Sources
- [1] Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 32: Ocean Movements Ocean Currents And Tides > Benguela Current – Cold > p. 493