Atmospheric low- and high-pressure systems induce fluctuations in oceanographic variables of the southwestern Gulf of Mexico

Low- and high-pressure systems traveling from the northeastern Pacific to the eastern Gulf of Mexico induce short-term fluctuations in ocean currents, water column temperature, sea level, and biovolume. Meteorological data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), North American Regional Reanalysis-National and the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NARR-NCEP) for the western Gulf of Mexico in 2008, specifically from November 10th to 20th, were used to describe these fluctuations. Additionally, data from four Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers (ADCPs) deployed at four reefs in the northern part of the "Parque Nacional Sistema Arrecifal Veracruzano" (PNSAV) were analyzed. Results showed two main wind patterns: a southern one, locally named "Surada", associated with a low-pressure system over the Mexican mainland, which increases the air temperature of the western Gulf of Mexico to about 25°C; and "Norte" winds associated of the passage of high pressure over the study area, lowering the air temperature to 20°C. Both Surada and Norte alter the seasonal wind-driven circulation, which typically flows south in the fall and winter. However, these itinerant low- and high-pressure systems can reverse the seasonal wind-driven circulation for a few days. During Surada, the wind-driven circulation flows north, while Norte flows south with a residual almost anticyclonic current developing. These changes contribute to oceanographic variability in the PNSAV. These changes in marine circulation lead to variations in oceanographic parameters in the northern PNSAV, with important ecological and social consequences.