The Cromwell current on the east side of the Galapagos Islands

Abstract

Observations made during October and December 1971 on the Yaloc 71 Cruise of Oregon State University indicate the presence of the Cromwell Current on the east side of the Galapagos Islands. Light scattering, particle size distribution, nutrients, and standard hydrographic parameters were measured in water samples collected at 154 stations. The distribution of water properties shows that the extension of the current to the east side of the islands derives primarily from water flowing around the north side of the islands. This flow consists of two branches that tend to merge into one at about 84°W. There was no clear indication of a branch around the south side of the islands within the area of the observations.