Variabilidad de las Corrientes Marinas en el Canal de Yucatán:

Abstract

El análisis estadístico de frecuencias, por rangos de dirección y magnitud de mediciones de corrientes marinas realizadas en el canal de Yucatán (a 11,03 Km (anclaje Y6) y a 32,36 Km (anclaje Y5) del cabo de San Antonio), desde septiembre de 1999 hasta julio de 2001, mostró la compleja y particular dinámica de las aguas oceánicas en su lado Este o "Lado Cuba". Las corrientes marinas tuvieron mayor velocidad y variabilidad, en los estratos superiores (26 – 300 m), en la zona más próxima a cabo de San Antonio que 32 km hacia su W; los meses de enero, abril, mayo, octubre y diciembre del 2000, presentaron máximos mensuales superiores a los 100 cm/s. En la proximidad de cabo de San Antonio, durante los meses de septiembre, octubre, febrero y abril, fue persistente la contracorriente cubana, y solo en abril y febrero de 2000 se obtuvieron mayores frecuencias de ocurrencia 32 km hacia el centro del canal. En abril de 2000, la contracorriente cubana mostró la mayor velocidad del período, 136,2 cm/s, y su influencia se extendió al menos 32 km hacia el W, disminuyendo su intensidad (78,6 cm/s). La presencia de la contracorriente no corresponde con un mes determinado del año, ni ocurre con carácter es tacional; es independiente de las fluctuaciones de la marea y puede producirse en cualquier época del año, alcanzando intensidades máximas superiores a los 100 cm/s, tan altas como las de la corriente de Yucatán. La contracorriente cubana es una característica significativa de la circulación de las aguas más próximas al extremo occidental de Cuba.

Abstract The statistical analysis of frequencies, by ranges of direction and magnitude, of marine current measurements made in the Yucatan Channel (at 11, 03 Km (mooring Y6) and at 32,36 Km (mooring Y5) of Cape San Antonio), showed the complex and uni que dynamics of ocean waters in the East side or "Cuban Side". Marine currents have greater speed and variability in the upper strata (26 – 300 m), in the area closest to Cape San Antonio, than 32 km westward. The months of January, April, May, October and December 2000 presented monthly maxima higher than 100 cm/s. In the vicinity of Cape San Antonio, during September, October, February and April, Cuban countercurrent was persistent, and only in April and February 2000, higher frequencies of occurrence were obtained 32 km to the center of the channel. In April 2000, Cuban countercurrent showed the highest intensity of the period, 136,2 cm/s, and its influence extended at least 32 km to the W, decreasing in intensity (78,6 cm/s). The presence of the countercurrent does not correspond to a given month of the year, or occurs on a seasonal basis. It is independent of tide fluctuations and can occur at any time of the year, reaching maximum intensity higher than 100 cm/s, as high as that of Yucatan Stream. Cuban countercurrent is a significant feature of water circulation near the western tip of Cuba

The statistical analysis of frequencies, by ranges of direction and magnitude, of marine current measurements made in the Yucatan Channel (at 11, 03 Km (mooring Y6) and at 32,36 Km (mooring Y5) of Cape San Antonio), showed the complex and uni que dynamics of ocean waters in the East side or "Cuban Side". Marine currents have greater speed and variability in the upper strata (26 – 300 m), in the area closest to Cape San Antonio, than 32 km westward. The months of January, April, May, October and December 2000 presented monthly maxima higher than 100 cm/s. In the vicinity of Cape San Antonio, during September, October, February and April, Cuban countercurrent was persistent, and only in April and February 2000, higher frequencies of occurrence were obtained 32 km to the center of the channel. In April 2000, Cuban countercurrent showed the highest intensity of the period, 136,2 cm/s, and its influence extended at least 32 km to the W, decreasing in intensity (78,6 cm/s). The presence of the countercurrent does not correspond to a given month of the year, or occurs on a seasonal basis. It is independent of tide fluctuations and can occur at any time of the year, reaching maximum intensity higher than 100 cm/s, as high as that of Yucatan Stream. Cuban countercurrent is a significant feature of water circulation near the western tip of Cuba