Major marine currents off the Peruvian coast during 2008-2009

Abstract

The study comprises four marine currents. The Southern Extension of the Cromwell Current (ESCC) in autumn and winter 2008 extended up to 7°30’S, in spring and summer were at its normal position, north of 6°S; in the autumn and winter 2009 reached 9°S, and in spring was up to 7°S. The Chilean Peruvian Countercurrent (CCPC) showed few differences in location in 2008 and 2009, 40 nm and below 50 m in depth, but in front of Pisco and San Juan approached up to about 20 nm from the coastline. The Peruvian Coastal Current (CCP), with few differences in location, moved from south to north on the 50 m in depth in areas near the coast with a speed of 20 cm/s in 2008, and 28 cm/s in 2009. The Peruvian Ocean Current (COP), all sightings were recorded outside the 80 nm, extended up to Punta Falsa and then turned west, with speeds up to 37 cm/s in 2008.