Interannual variability in the Yucatan Channel flow. Issue 5 (13th March 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Athié, Gabriela; Sheinbaum, Julio; Leben, Robert; Ochoa, José; Shannon, Michael R.; Candela, Julio
• Is Part Of: Geophysical research letters. Volume 42:Issue 5(2015:Mar.)
• Page Start: 1496
• Page End: 1503
• Publication Date: 2015-03-13
• Subjects: transport in Yucatan Channel -- western boundary current -- interannual variability; Geophysics -- Periodicals; Planets -- Periodicals; Lunar geology -- Periodicals; 550
• DOI: 10.1002/2014GL062674
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0094-8276

Abstract

Abstract: Mooring measurements in the Yucatan Channel, from May 2010 to May 2011 and from July 2012 to June 2013 yield a mean transport of 27 and 25 Sv, respectively, with a subinertial standard deviation of 3.5 Sv. These mean transport values are higher than the 23 Sv reported from 21 months of similar measurements (1999–2001). Analysis of low‐frequency variations of a transport proxy based on 20 years of altimetry data indicates that during 1999–2001, the flow through Yucatan Channel was anomalously low. This suggests that a sizable compensation through other channels off the Gulf of Mexico is required to match the transport cable measurements of the Florida Current at 27°N. Key Points: Recent measurements through Yucatan Channel show a mean transport of ~26 Sv Transport between 1999 and 2001 was low due to interannual variations of the flow The flow through the OB and NWP channels appears larger than thought