Most probable monthly temperature profiles from surface to 1500-meter depths were developed for nineteen one-degree latitude-longitude squares in the Central Gulf of Mexico for Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) purposes. This part of the Gulf of Mexico is the site of a semi-permanent current system. The inflow is northward through the Yucatan channel. Then the water turns eastward at variable latitudes from 23N to 29N, and then exits through the straits between Key West and Cuba. The loop current is accompanied by warmer water in the center and cooler water outside the current. This temperature variability is reflected in the thermal resource. Also, the northern part of the region undergoes surface cooling in winter and spring. Consistent ⊿T's of 20°C are available throughout the year in some of the southern squares but in only 6 months in the northern part of the area.nThis report includes an inventory summary of the temperature observations available in the area, as well as overall bathymetric information. The monthly temperature data are provided in tabular form and as plots of ⊿T versus depth for each latitude-longitude square.
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