Resumo

VELAZQUEZ-MUNOZ, FA et al. Wind-driven coastal circulation in the Gulf of Tehuantepec, México. Cienc. mar [online]. 2011, vol.37, n.4a, pp.443-456. ISSN 0185-3880.

Sea surface current measurements and wind stress and sea surface temperature satellite data were used to study the effect of northerly wind events (Tehuanos) on coastal dynamics in the Gulf of Tehuantepec, Mexico. The winter 2005 observations show a significant change in the intensity and direction of surface currents during wind events, which is reflected in an increase in kinetic energy and negative relative vorticity. The analysis revealed that kinetic energy of the coastal current decreases (increases) in periods when there is absence (presence) of Tehuano wind events, and that the relative vorticity has a tendency to positive values under low wind conditions and a tendency to negative values during high wind events. An asymmetric ocean response was observed due to wind stress forcing and the interaction between a persistent coastal current and offshore wind stress.

Palavras-chave : Gulf of Tehuantepec; coastal countercurrent; wind-driven current; ocean eddies; offshore wind.

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