Dynamics of dissolved inorganic carbon in the Midriff Islands of the Gulf of California: Influence of water masses

Abstract

In the Midriff Islands region (MIR) of the Gulf of California (Mexico), tidal mixing plays a very important role in the distribution of chemical properties. Although the temporal variability of the water masses is linked to the ocean dynamics of this region, its importance has not been considered. This work estimates the effect of water mass dynamics on the spatial distribution and seasonal variation of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) in the region, with special emphasis on the Ballenas Channel, during winter 2002, spring 2003, and summer 2004. Gulf of California Water (GCW) was found throughout the area in the first 100 m. Below, Subtropical Subsurface Water (SSW) filled the Delfín, Salsipuedes, and Tiburón basins, while to the southeast it was found between 150 and 350 m. Pacific Intermediate Water did not cross the sills. SSW enriches the surface water of the MIR with DIC when it increases in volume and when mixed with GCW by tidal effects. This contribution decreases towards summertime, when SSW sinks and the volume of GCW increases. In winter, GCW had three water types associated with oceanographic mixing processes and in combination with the presence of SSW. There was a strong DIC vs temperature relationship, which can be applied to analyze the carbon dynamics in the MIR, both at the surface using satellite imagery and vertically to simulate physical processes.