Upwelling front interactions between the subtidal variability and wind. Using remote sensors and cross wavelets

Abstract:

The ocean front variability is controlled by the physical process that produces it and the biological processes that are influenced by this seasonal variability. The objective of this study is to identify the interaction between the subtidal variability of the upwelling front and the wind force in the Midriff Archipelago Region of the Gulf of California during 2017 using remote sensing and cross wavelets. The SST and Chlorophyll satellite data, sea level data, magnitude and direction data of the wind, in the archipelago of the Gulf of California or the Midriff Island Zone were used. The SST and chlorophyll daily data were used to see the fortnightly variability in 2017 related to the neap and spring tidal cycle. The identity of the upper ocean front was done following the Belkin and O’Reilly (2009) methodology and using daily SST and chlorophyll data, the cross wavelet analysis shows the relationship between the tidal variation, wind, SST and Chl-a magnitude gradient in those specific periods. The cross wavelet results show that the upwelling front variability follows the spring and neap tide cycle and that in winter, autumn and during sporadic events in summer, the zonal wind force plays an important role in the upwelling intensity, if the zonal wind from the west matches with the spring tide, the front is larger and stronger. The appositive way without zonal wind or zonal wind from the east, the upwelling front is controlled only by the spring and neap tide cycles.