Abstract
The distribution of suspended matter in the Panama basin was determined by means of light scattering and Coulter counter measurements on water samples collected at 50 hydrographic stations. The observed distribution indicates three probable sources of suspended matter: (1) the surface waters throughout the basin;' (2) erosion and runoff from the continents; and (3) bottom erosion at two sites on the Carnegie Ridge. The distribution of suspended matter also confirms in most. respects the pattern of abyssal circulation proposed by Norman P. Laird (1971). The Panama basin, bounded by the Carnegie and Cocos ridges and the coasts of Panama, Columbia, and Ecuador, has been the subject of an increasing number of oceanographic studies in recent years. The circulation of the surface and intermediate layers has been described by Stevenson [1970] and Wyrtki [1967]. Laird [1969, 1971] has hypothesized a model for abyssal circulation in the basin based on observations of hydrographic properties. Studies of sediment distribution [va, n Andel et al., 1971; Ko.wsmann, 1973; Moore et al., 1973; v.an Andel, 1973] have also provided information that has implications for the abyssal circulation in the basin. During November and December 1971 we conducted a program of optical measurements in the Panama basin in order to delineate the distribution of suspended particulate matter in the basin. We hoped to use this distribution, along with hydrographic and current meter measurements, to gain further insight into the abyssal circulation and the sources and sinks of particulate matter in the basin. Laird [1969] hypothesized a single source for the bottom water in the basin: the pass over the Carnegie ridge near the coast of Ecuador, which has a sill depth of about 2500 meters. The distribution of near-bottom potential temperatures indicates that after entering the basin through this pass some of the water continues northward, parallel to the coast, filling several subbasins off the coast of Columbia. The remaining water turns to the west, passes be
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
