Abstract

VAZQUEZ-FIGUEROA, Viridiana et al. Bathymetry and hydrographic characteristics (May 2007) in the Consag and Wagner Basins, Northern Gulf of California, Mexico. Bol. Soc. Geol. Mex [online]. 2009, vol.61, n.1, pp.119-127. ISSN 1405-3322.

The northern Gulf of California encompasses a complex tectonic setting characterized by several oceanographic and climatic factors that continuously change water circulation and composition as well as sediment dynamics. CTD and echosounder data, collected during May 2007 in the Wagner and Consag basins, are here presented and analyzed, with the aim of determining the principal hydrographic features of the water column and the detailed bathymetry of the basins. Bathymetry is in agreement with fault-bounded, subsiding, pull-apart basins. The slopes that outline the eastern border of both basins coincide with the NNW-striking listric Wagner Fault. CTD results indicate that during the sampling period the seawater column was distinctly stratified, with the thermocline located in the upper 50 m, and only 32% of the stations present a mixing layer. The water temperature ranged from 23°C at the surface to 15°C at the sea bottom. Salinity ranged between 35.8 at the surface and 35.2 at the bottom, and a halocline was not present. A low salinity (35.32) seawater mass was identified, entering the basins from south to north at depths from 50 to 150 m. In addition, the T-S plot indicates the presence of Gulf of California Water.

Keywords : Seawater masses; thermocline; bathymetry; pull-apart basin; Wagner Fault.

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