Page 30 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - South Africa

28  INTRODUCING SOUTH AFRIC A

The Contrasting Coasts

Two ocean currents influence the coastal climate of South
Africa: the tropical Agulhas Current, which flows south down
the East Coast, and the cold, north-flowing Benguela Current
along the western shores. The two merge somewhere off
lonely Cape Agulhas, Africa’s most southerly cape. Together
with the winds and mountains, these ocean movements Southern right whales, known
for their massive heads and jaws,
determine the region’s coastal variance: the aridity of the west are one of the species of baleen
versus the luxuriant forest in the east. The coastal fauna and whales that frequent South
flora, both terrestrial and aquatic, display interesting variations. African coastal waters.
Here, too, the west differs notably from
the east, as plants and animals Drosanthemums are
have adapted to their low-growing plants, well
adapted to arid West
specific environments. Coast conditions. They
store precious water in
their small, thick leaves,
and flower between
August and October.
The black korhaan
inhabits dry coastal
0 km 100 scrubland. The males
are strikingly coloured
0 miles 50
and protect their
Atlantic Ocean terri tory with raucous
calls. Females are
an incon spicuous
mottled brown
and avoid detection by
standing perfectly still.
St Helena
Bay
Cape Basin
Saldanha
Bay
Table Bay
West Coast rock lobster, Cape Town
important to the region’s
economy, are harvested The Benguela False Bay
under special licence. Current flows Cape Point At Cape Agulhas,
the waters of the two
They are not reared on north, carrying Cape Agulhas currents converge.
a commercial basis. cold water from
the Antarctic.
Agulhas Bank
The West Coast
Even in summer,
water temperatures
average only 14°C
(57°F). This precludes
the formation of rain- Sea anemone
bearing clouds, and
annual precipitation is below 250 mm
(10 in). The lack of fresh water means that
only tough succulents survive on dew from
sea mists. The sea water, full of nutri ents,
sustains a rich and varied marine life.

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