The distribution of temperature, salinity and oxygen in the sections worked are shown in Figures 5-11.
The hydrographic regime on the shelf south of Porto Alexandre is an extension of the regime off Namibia and differs significantly from that further north along the Angolan coast, particularly in the lower temperature of the inshore surface waters. A comparison with data from cruise No. 1 (Baia dos Tigres section 1 February 1985) shows that the temperature at about the same time in 1986 is 1-2 degrees higher over the inner parts of the bank and some 4 degrees C higher in the surface off the shelf. The SST satellite charts indicate that at about this time in 1986 the thermal front 22 degrees-26 degrees C was located off the Baia dos Tigres area.
Another feature of interest demonstrated by the hydrographic section further north is the transport of low-salinity surface water originating from the Congo outflow southwards along the coast as far as Pta. Das Palmeirinhas south of Luanda. This obviously shows the general southern direction of the coastal current at this time of the year. This is in contrast to the findings from cruises 2,3 and 4 when a northward movement of the Congo water was shown. Discolored water over large parts of the shelf south of the Congo confirmed the direction of the drift during cruise No. 5.
