Characterization of the spatio-temporal variability of the coastal currents adjacent to the Yucatan Peninsula

Categories / Numerical Modeling / Ocean

Characterization of the spatio-temporal variability of the coastal currents adjacent to the Yucatan Peninsula

Principal Investigator: Dra. Ma. Eugenia Allende-Arandía
Dra. Gemma Louise-Franklin

Description

This project aims to characterize the variability of coastal currents at different spatio-temporal scales, which allow establishing a current scenario of the hydrodynamic conditions adjacent to the Yucatan Peninsula.

The characterization of the oceanic and coastal variability of the Yucatan Peninsula allows improving the knowledge of physical processes that have environmental, social, and economic impacts at a local and regional scale. Specifically, understanding coastal dynamics will enable the conservation of ecosystem services, identification and prevention of vulnerable situations, risk and management practices, as well as evaluation of effects from environmental and anthropogenic changes.

To achieve this, mesoscale numerical models of the ocean and atmosphere were implemented with high spatio-temporal resolution, from the continental shelf (regional) to the coastal zone (local). These models were validated with measured data, and the contribution of atmospheric forcing that influences coastal dynamics at different timescales was identified.

Acknowledgments:
UNAM-DGAPA PAPIIT IA101121 project

NOTE: Databases can be requested from those in charge. 10 years of numerical simulations of atmospheric variables, currents, and waves.

Example of waves and surface currents for the Yucatan Platform: 
* https://youtu.be/pXGKfjr4S60 
* https://youtu.be/kZS4ghWwZcg



Gallery

Image min zona de estudio
Zona de estudio. Las líneas de colores indican los contornos de la batimetría en la región.
Image min validacion
Validación de las simulaciones numéricas. La línea roja son los datos medidos y la azúl los datos simulados
Image min whatsapp image 2023 03 17 at 3.13.00 pm
Ubicaciones de los puertos a lo largo de la costa norte de la Península de Yucatán para casos de estudio

Contact the principal investigator