| THE
GULF OF MEXICO:
CIRCULATION and CURRENTS:
Water enters the Gulf through the Yucatan Strait, circulates
as the Loop Current, and exits through the Florida Strait
eventually forming the Gulf Stream. Portions of the Loop Current
often break away forming eddies or 'gyres' which affect regional
current patterns. Smaller wind driven and tidal currents are
created in nearshore environments. Drainage into the Gulf of
Mexico is extensive, covering more than 60% of the United
States, and includes outlets from 33 major river systems and 207
estuaries. Additional freshwater inputs originate in Mexico, the
Yucatan Peninsula, and Cuba.
NOAA Gulf of Mexico Google Map:
An interesting site to check out is NOAA's Flower Garden Banks Site. It has an interactive Google Map with various overlays
that can be viewed. Below is a static image from this webpage. Click the link below.
National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration "NOAA" Flower Gardens Banks National Marine Sanctuary
LIVE Google Map:
Below is an interactive Google Map with various Points of Interest and recent cruise tracks from SPI Pelagics
View GULF OF MEXICO in a larger map
MORE COMING SOON
|
