Abstract

HERNANDEZ, Benigno  and  PINEIRO, Roberto. Downwelling wa ters in the south of Cuba . Investig. mar. [online]. 2003, vol.31, n.1, pp.33-49. ISSN 0717-7178.  http://dx.doi.org/10.4067/S0717-71782003000100005.

Take account 23 oceanographic stations on Oceanographic Research Vessel BIC "Ulises" in March 1994 and April 1996 in the study polygon located in the 21°00'-21°30'N and 81°50'-83°00'W in southwest of Isla de la Juventud, Cuba, with the main objective to study hydrophysical relationships that control the dynamics of the Panulirus argus spiny lobster larvae in the boundary shelf. Importance of the wind, Ekman transport, turbulence, depth of the top of the thermocline, sea surface temperature, vertical stability in the convergence or downwelling nearshore waters in this important area of spawns, was demonstrated. Transport Index (IT) showed a net movement toward the coast causing nearshore downwelling. The downwelling produces a mixture effect or false upwelling called also "cascade effect" that maintains nutrients suspended for one period that varies according to the wind intensity and the prevailing currents in the area. This effect apparently, is responsible for the larvae retention in this region

Keywords : downwelling; Ekman transport; vertical stability; wind stress; thermocline; sea surface temperature; spiny lobster.

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