DESCRIPTION:
The seasonal variability in the advection of low salinity, high chlorophyll waters originating in the major rivers (Amazon, Orinoco and Mississippi) is evident in model results and ocean color data (composite ocean color images prepared by Viva Benzon, UM/RSMAS Satellite Group). In winter (monthly mean salinities from the model and monthly composites from the data are shown for February), the riverine waters are constrained near the shallow shelf areas. In summer (monthly mean salinities from the model and monthly composites from the data are shown for August), the riverine waters are strongly advected offshore. This seasonal variability is controlled by changes in river inputs, the prevailing atmospheric forcing and the presence or absence of seasonal stratification. Implications on coastal to offshore interactions and connectivity among coastal ecosystems are being studied.
CONTACT:
Villy Kourafalou — vkourafalou@rsmas.miami.edu
George Halliwell — ghalliwell@rsmas.miami.edu
