Ocean color observations of eddies during the summer in the Gulf of California

Abstract

Using SeaWiFS ocean color satellite images collected during 1997–2001, a series of eddies have been observed in the Gulf of California. These eddies are not clearly seen in the summertime sea surface temperature images. The surface circulation between the midriff islands and the mouth of the gulf appears to be dominated by this series of eddies that have an alternating sense of rotation. An eddy pair is observed to extend from Cabo Lobos in each of the three years, suggesting that the eddies are topographically locked. The formation mechanism of the eddies remains unknown; however, we suspect the most likely mechanism includes baroclinic instabilities along the coast produced by interactions between coastally trapped waves, and local wind driven currents.