The comparison of oceanic parameters with light attenuation in the waters between San Francisco Bay and Monterey Bay, California

Abstract

Eighty-six oceanographic stations were occupied in the waters between Monterey Bay and San Francisco Bay during the period 7-14 November 1969. Values of beam transmittance, oxygen content, particulate count, and temperature were obtained from the surface to 100 meters. These parameters were analyzed and compared by means of depth profiles, horizontal contours and vertical contours. The average sea surface temperature during this period was 14.44 degrees C. The northern part of Monterey Bay had the lowest values of beam transmittance and highest values of particulate count. The California Current appears to be flowing southward down the coast at depths above 60 meters and entering Monterey Bay where it sinks to a depth of at least 61 meters. Indications of downwelling are present off the coast between Pt. Ano Nuevo andSanta Cruz and this is attributed to the northward flowing Davidson Current impinging on the shore and sinking. A layer of maximum particulate count was often found to exist within the thermocline. A fairly good correlation seems to exist between beam transmittance and oxygen content were apparent. Approximately 74 percent of all particulates observed by a Coulter Counter having a-100 micron orifice were less than 6.2 microns in diameter.