OTEC thermal resource report for Western Coast Mexico

Abstract

The site chosen for study off the western coast of Mexico between 20--23/sup 0/ North latitude, 105--110/sup 0/ West longitude has a temperature difference resource which is more than adequate for potential OTEC use. The annual mean ..delta..T to 1000 meters is 20.9/sup 0/C. An annual mean ..delta..T of 20.0/sup 0/C is available at 800 meters. The monthly mean ..delta..T for the coldest month of the year is 17.2/sup 0/C; at 800 meters while there is some variation in the monthly mean temperature difference, even the coldest month is adequate. The mixed layer depth is very shallow throughout the entire year. Storms are a problem for this area between May and November. Low sea and swell predominate throughout the year. The surface currents are generally weak to moderate with some variation in direction during the year. The continental shelf is fairly wide for most of the region making the distance to shore from depths of 1000 meters somewhat large. There is one bay from which deep water can be reached within 5 kilometers.