Redefining the Seasons in the Términos Lagoon Region of Southeastern México: May Is a Transition Month, Not a Dry Month

Abstract

ABSTRACT Guerra-Santos, J.J. and Kahl, J.D.W., 2018. Redefining the seasons in the Terminos Lagoon region of southeastern Mexico: May is a transition month, not a dry month. The Terminos Lagoon is the largest estuary in Mexico, with numerous important animal and plant interrelationships. Its dominant feature is the largest mangrove surface in Latin America. A Natural Protected Area under Mexican law as well as an internationally recognized Ramsar site, this unique ecosystem is a frequent location for research projects concerning marine, wetlands, and terrestrial ecosystems. Located in the southern Gulf of Mexico and characterized by a tropical climate, the primary characteristic determining the region's meteorological seasons is the annual variation in rainfall. In 1982, an oft-cited article was published that defined the seasons as dry (February–May), wet (June–September), and an overlapping season of “nortes” or winter storms (October–March). Here evidence is presented, on the basis of an analysis of di...