Tidal characteristics in a coral reef system from the western Gulf of Mexico

Abstract

This study shows the computed tidal harmonic results from a sea level time series performed to elucidate the temporal and spatial behavior of tides in the Veracruz Reef System (western Gulf of Mexico). Data from 11 pressure sensors moored from October to December 2004 revealed that the predominant harmonics within the coral reef system were the diurnal K1 and O1 components, followed by the semidiurnal M2 component. The fortnightly constituent showed an amplitude comparable to that of the M2 harmonic. Tidal amplitudes showed small differences throughout the area when compared with the phases. Phase lags among different stations were induced by bathymetric effects.