The historical development of physical research on the oceans bordering Southern Africa

Abstract

Two archetypal ocean circulation patterns occur in the oceanic areas adjacent to southern Africa, namely, a western boundary current on the east coast and upwelling on the west coast. Investigation on the physical behaviour of these systems has passed through phases of exploratory, descriptive and phenomenological research. These historical research patterns are described briefly using mostly the publication rates on the physical oceanology of the areas in question.