1. Convergence of ocean currents: The Agulhas Current, which flows along the east coast of Africa, meets the Benguela Current, which flows up the west coast. This convergence creates a zone of turbulent water and high waves.
2. High winds: Cape Town is located in the "Roaring Forties," a region of the Southern Hemisphere known for its strong westerly winds. These winds are caused by the interaction of the Earth's rotation and the sun's heat, and they can reach speeds of up to 100 kilometers per hour (62 miles per hour).
3. Undersea topography: The seafloor near Cape Town is very rugged, with deep canyons and steep underwater cliffs. These features can cause waves to break and become even rougher.
The combination of these factors makes the seas near Cape Town some of the roughest in the world. This can be a hazard for ships and sailors, but it also makes Cape Town a popular destination for surfers and other water sports enthusiasts.
