Physical Oceanographic Conditions at a Potential OTEC Site in the Gulf of Mexico; 27.5N, 85.5W Degrees

摘要

Physical oceanographic data have been collected at the nominal position, 85.5 degress W, 27.5 degrees N, from March 1978 through June 1979. The position is some 300 km west of Tampa, Florida and was occupied to collect data needed in the OTEC design effort. Site occupations by research vessel and current meter deployments were used to obtain temperature, density and current data. Atmospheric conditions were characterized by an abnormally cold winter during 1977-1978. The Loop Current was within 50 km of the site during April and May 1978 and again during January 1979.