Rodrigo NUNEZ

Florida State University


The main purpose of my current research is to obtain a better understanding of the ocean circulation off the coast of Chile.

I am using the NRL (Naval Research Laboratory) high-resolution, multi-layer, non-linear primitive equation global ocean model to examine the response of the Southeast Pacific Ocean from 5°S to 45°S and from 70°W to 110°W. The model is forced by ECMWF winds and includes realistic bottom topography. Interannual variability, related to El Niño Southern Oscillation, and some other distinctive circulation features, such as the West Wind Drift and the Peru-Chile current are examined.

Hydrographic and oceanographic data obtained from the Hydrographic and Oceanographic Service (SHOA) of the Chilean Navy, are coupled to model results. The data was collected during the WOCE PR-14 cruises in the years 1993, 1994 and 1995. The stations were on a rectangle that goes from the coast out to longitude 82°15' 92°W, along latitude 38°00' 92°S, from this point to latitude 48°00' 92°S along longitude 82°15' 92°W and back to the coast along latitude 48°00' 92°S. In 1994 and 1995, two more transects were made at latitudes 41°20' 92°S and 44°30' 92°S, from the coast out to longitude 82°15' 92°W. The average depth of the stations is 1000 meters for 1993 and 3000 meters for the last two years. The variables available (at this time from SHOA) are temperature and salinity vs depth (CTD). The data of the WOCE PR-14 cruises has not been reported to US-WOCE data center, yet. This hydrographic data could be made available, if requested.

Data collected during WOCE SR-1 cruises (a transect from Cape Horn to Bransfield Strait in the Drake Passage) with average depths of 1500 meters and 4000 meters, respectively, could also be made available upon request.


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