Movement of Surface Drifters in the American Mediterranean

Abstract

Between 25 October and 11 December of 1973, 1015 surface drifters were launched at 36 stations in the American Mediterranean. Returns from 75 drifters (7.4%) have been received from 23 (64%) of the 36 stations. No flow into the Caribbean Sea through the Mona and Windward Passages was indicated. A net westward drift in the Caribbean Sea of 0.18 m s?1 was indicated. Movement in the Gulf of Mexico was consistent with observations and models of the Loop Current.