Synoptic, multiseason oceanographic survey of the northern Gulf of California using orbital photographs and ships

A predictive circulation model was formulated from ERTS-1 satellite images and supporting oceanographic cruises. Biannually reversing convection cells driven by heating and cooling of the saline Colorado tidal estuary are curled by the Coriolis effect. These resulting surficial gyres and cross-flowing undercurrents were mapped from photographically enhanced ERTS images. Vertical structure of the water column was measured by repeated ship cruises. Other phenomena too complex or too transient to map with ship data alone were delineated from Gemini, Apollo, Skylab, and ERTS photographs: 1. Internal waves 2. Eddies and upwelling plumes 3. Wind-driven surface layers 4. Cloud lines marking the extent of the sea breeze systems or edges of water masses of different temperatures 5. Orographic indicator of a shoal 6. Tidal phase velocity.