The potential vorticity flux through the Yucatan Channel and the Loop Current in the Gulf of Mexico

• Published in: Geophysical research letters Vol. 29; no. 22; pp. 16-1 - 16-4
• Main Authors: Candela, Julio, Sheinbaum, Julio, Ochoa, José, Badan, Antoine, Leben, Robert
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: American Geophysical Union 01.11.2002; Blackwell Publishing Ltd
• Subjects: Currents; Eddies and mesoscale processes; Exploration Geophysics; Marginal and semienclosed seas; Marine; Oceanography; Physical; Remote sensing; ASW, Mexico, Yucatan Channel; ASW, Mexico Gulf; ASW, Mexico Gulf, Yucatan Channel; ASW, Caribbean Sea; ASW, Mexico Gulf, Loop Current
• ISSN: 0094-8276; 1944-8007
• DOI: 10.1029/2002GL015587

Two‐year‐long time series of current and density structure measurements across the Yucatan Channel's main section allow the calculation of the time‐dependent potential vorticity flux between the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea, which is characterized by alternating periods of positive (cyclonic) and negative (anti‐cyclonic) vorticity influx. Periods of negative cumulative vorticity influx are related to the Loop Current extending into the Gulf of Mexico, whereas periods of positive cumulative vorticity influx relate to a Loop Current retraction, sometimes coincident with the shedding of an anti‐cyclonic eddy.