The Angola - Benguela front (ABF) is a permanent frontal feature situated between 15° and 17°S off the coast of Angola and Namibia, west Africa. It separates the saline, warm and nutrient-poor sea water of the Angola Current from the cold and nutrient-rich sea water associated with the Benguela Current.
In comparison to other major oceanic fronts created by the western boundary currents, the ABF is confined to a relatively narrow band of latitudes and is characterized by strong horizontal gradients in sea surface temperature and salinity. The ABF has a variable morphology, geographic location, and thermal characteristics. It plays an important role for the southern African continent due to its close proximity to the coast, having a significant impact on the local marine ecosystem and regional climate. Variability in position and intensity of the ABF has been suggested to affect local biology and thus fish stocks, as well as rainfall variability.
