ALGUNAS CARACTERISTICAS HIDROGRAFICAS DE LA BAHIA DE CONCEPCION (36°40’S; 73°02’W) Y AREAS ADYACENTES. CHILE

Abstract

The first systematic study of hidrographic characteristics of the Bahía de Concepción and adjacent areas, Chile (36°40’S; 73°02'W) has been carried out.
The results obtained during 1971, 1972 and 1975 have been correlated with a monthly average meteorological data of a nine years period.

The analysis of seasonal variatios inside the bay reveals an annual cycle composed by four hydrographic periods two main periods, i.e., “Estuanne Circulation" and “Upwelling” represented by two different water asses, and two transitional periods between them (Transition I and II) characterized by mixing processes.

The vertical and horizontal distribution of the hydrographic parameters and direct current measurements are studied and, then, a circulation pattern for the Period of “Upwelling” in the bay is proposed.

Finally, the occurrence, duration, and some ecological implications of the “Upwelling” process in the studied area are discussed.