ANGOLA BASIN Meaning and
Definition
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Angola Basin is a term used to refer to a large submarine basin located in the southeastern part of the Atlantic Ocean. It lies off the coast of Angola, a country in Southern Africa, hence its name. This basin is bordered by the West African coast on the east and south, and by the Walvis Ridge on the west.
The Angola Basin is of great geologic importance as it contains one of the largest sedimentary accumulations in the world. It is characterized by its vast expanse, reaching a width of approximately 1,000 kilometers (620 miles), and a length of about 2,000 kilometers (1,240 miles). The basin's sedimentary deposits consist of fine-grained material, such as clay, silt, and sand, which have been transported and deposited by rivers over millions of years.
The Angola Basin is also renowned for its rich petroleum reserves, making it a significant region for offshore oil production. The accumulation of organic-rich sediments in the basin has fostered the generation and entrapment of hydrocarbons. Many oil and gas fields have been discovered within this basin, contributing significantly to Angola's economy and global energy supply.
In addition to its geological and economic importance, the Angola Basin supports a diverse range of marine life. Its nutrient-rich waters provide favorable conditions for the growth of plankton, which forms the basis of the marine food chain. This, in turn, attracts various fish species, marine mammals, and seabirds, creating a thriving ecosystem within the basin.
Etymology of ANGOLA BASIN
The word "Angola" refers to the country located on the western coast of Southern Africa, while "basin" refers to a circular or oval-shaped depression in the earth's surface. Therefore, the term "Angola Basin" is a geographic name given to a basin situated off the coast of Angola. The etymology of "Angola" comes from the Kimbundu language, spoken by the Mbundu people, one of the largest ethnic groups in Angola. The Kimbundu term "N'gola" means "king" or "ruler" and was used to describe the title of the kings of the Ndongo kingdom, an important kingdom in the region during the 16th and 17th centuries. The Portuguese explorers who arrived in the area in the 15th century adopted the term "Angola" to refer to the region and eventually to the entire country.
