Hydrographic structure along 131.5°W in the eastern tropical Pacific in July 2003

Abstract

Conductivity-temperature-depth (CTD) data obtained along a meridional section in the eastern tropical Pacific in July 2003 have been analyzed to identify various water masses, and to examine the hydrographic structure and zonal geostrophic currents in the upper 1000 m. Water mass analysis shows the existence of subtropical and intermediate waters, characterized by layers of subsurface salinity maximum and minimum, originating from both hemispheres of the Pacific. Vertical section of temperature in the upper 200 m shows the typical trough-ridge structure associated with the zonal current system for most of the tropical Pacific. Water with the lowest salinity of less than 33.6 was found in the upper 30 m between 8.5°N and 10.5°N in a boundary zone between the North Equatorial Current and North Equatorial Countercurrent. Temporal changes in water properties observed at 10.5°N over a period of 9 days suggest both the local rainfall and horizontal advection is responsible for the presence of the low-salinity water. Development of a barrier layer was also observed at 10.5°N. In the North Equatorial Current region a local upwelling was observed at 15°N, which brings high salinity and cooler subtropical water to the sea surface. A band of countercurrent occurs in the upwelling region between 13°N and 15°N.