OCEANOGRAPHIC CRUISE SUMMARY UNITAS VIII CRUISE AROUND SOUTH AMERICA AUGUST TO DECEMBER 1967
Abstract
Oceanographic operations were conducted aboard U.S. Navy ships during the UNITAS VIII cruise around South America during the period 18 August to 9 December 1967. Nansen cast, bathythermograph, and bathymetric observations were made around the periphery of the continent. Thermal structure information was utilized for sonar range predictions during the cruise. In the vicinity of the Gulf of Panama, mixed layers were generally shallow, and surface temperatures were below average. Mixed layers were deepest in the offshore waters in the Peru Current region. Upwelling occurred off Punta Parinas and appeared to occur at 16 degrees and 30 degrees S. The water structure in the interisland region of Chile's southern coast indicated estuarine conditons. Conversely, the water column in the Strait of Magellan appeared to be well mixed. Land-derived surface waters were observed off Argentina. In the region of confluence of the Brazil and Falkland Currents, water structure was quite variable. Farther north, the Brazil Current waters were characterized by high temperatures and salinities in the surface layers. In the Guiana and Caribbean Currents, water structures were relatively uniform in character; the mixed layer appeared to be restricted in vertical extent by Subtropic Underwater.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1968
- Accession Number
- AD0835853
Entities
People
- Laurie E. Jarvela
Organizations
- Naval Oceanographic Office