Estimation of the electric current density in the Gulf of California induced by the M2 tidal current

Abstract

The electric current density generated in the Gulf of California by the interaction between the ocean currents produced by the M2 tide and the geomagnetic field was calculated in this study. The value of the geomagnetic field in the Gulf of California was determined from World Magnetic Model 2010 data; the tidal velocities of the seawater were calculated using a three–dimensional hydrodynamic–numerical model forced by the M2 tide with a horizontal cell resolution of 3’ × 3’ and 12 vertical layers. The results showed that the electric current density is maximum during the fastest flood and ebb currents; it exhibits sinusoidal behavior, and the largest amplitudes always appear in the upper layer. The electric field and the electric potential difference exhibit similar behaviors. Important areas for the generation of electric fields are in the upper Gulf of California, Colorado River Delta, archipelago region, and Ballenas and Salsipuedes channels.