Dynamics of the Gulf of California (GC). A case study of the internal waves using synthetic aperture radar (SAR)

Abstract

In this paper the internal waves generated in the northern part of the Large Islands which propagate northward Gulf of California (GC) have been described using Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) images, to expand the knowledge that we have of this waves briefly studied in the GC with such satellite tools. Six SAR images provided by the European Space Agency (ESA) from the ERS 2 and Envisat satellites, taken between May and September 2006, were used. The great potential of using SAR images in the study of internal waves has been proved. A much more complex dynamics than the ones described by other authors has been observed. Three main wave groups are detected according to their propagation, orientation and location. Furthermore, for the first time it has been possible to relate generation moments of one group of waves with a particular tide phase in the northern mouth of the Ballenas Channel. Also, the Peninsula side, north to the Large Islands, has been established as a zone of internal waves generation. Shoaling effects and interference between waves have been qualitatively described