The NIMBUS 7 CZCS chlorophyll images of the southern Benguela Current region off the west coast of Southern Africa on February 9, 13, and 15, 1980, during a surface truth experiment in the area are evaluated in the light of a time series of airborne radiation thermometry and wind data for this period, and the validity of CZCS chlorophyll estimates for the region is discussed. There was good agreement between upwelling and relaxation in the system and changes in the distriution of chlorophyll. The developmet of upwelling tongues with the subsequent increase in chlorophyll concentratios and the intensifications of the oceanic front off capes was evident. An S-shaped band of high chlorophyll was present well offshore of the orange River mouth and lends support to the existence of a divergence zone at the shell break in the area, there being fair agreement between satellite buoy tracks, topography, and the position of the oceanic color front. Areas of elevated chlorophyll were evidet in two bays on the south coast on February 13, 1980, and these are ascribed to an earlier upwelling evet in the region. Implications for future work in the area are discussed.