Subtidal inner shelf currents off Cartagena de Indias, Caribbean coast of Colombia

Abstract

Seasonal trends in inner shelf subtidal circulation off the coast of Cartagena de Indias, Colombia, are examined through the analysis of current profiles, hydrographic, meteorological and satellite data collected from 1999 to 2002. During the dry season (December-April) the water column is well-mixed and along-shelf currents flow southwestward following the steady trade, winds. In the rainy season (May-November) the water column experiences continuous events of stratification and the along-shelf currents flow northeastward, opposing the weak southwestward winds. In the dry season the alongshelf circulation is mostly driven by wind forcing, while in the rainy season, the circulation is set by an alongshore baroclinic pressure gradient. In the crossshelf direction upwelling conditions are observed most of the year and geostrophic balance conditions are found. Copyright 2006 by the American Geophysical Union.