Water masses in the Caribbean Sea and sub-annual variability in the Guajira upwelling region

Abstract The study of water masses is important as they transport properties affecting the biosphere and ocean dynamics. In this study, we revisit in Caribbean Sea using climatology 11 months observations at different depths from 3 moorings placed Guajira upwelling region, providing some new findings. Surface Water (CSW) seasonal variability studied mixed layer depth. Salinity differences between CSW saltier North Atlantic Subtropical Underwater (SUW) determine static stability spatial temporal variations, with implications for regional Besides, assess climatologic distribution below salinity maximum optimum multiparameter analysis Thermodynamic Equation Seawater 2010, defining their source indices when entering Sea. SUW, its core ~ 150 m depth, occupies 16% volume, complemented by 38% Antarctic Intermediate Water, 700 depth Deep which bottom 46% volume. Hydrographic do not differ climatology, regardless large sub-annual variations decreasing Daily time series dominant fractions correlate each mooring, indicating a common forcing. rotated wind stress, an indicator upwelling, correlates regularly mass down to However, during strong shifts, seems affect them 1450