Published

VMADCP data for validation of SCARIBOS model Version 34

Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research https://doi.org/10.25850/nioz/7b.b.xh

Bertoncelj et al. Ocean Sciences

Flow patterns, hotspots and connectivity of land-derived substances at the sea surface of Curaçao in the Southern Caribbean

The South Caribbean Island of Curaçao is abundant in coral reef communities, but they are declining. Land-derived nutrients and pollutants are a potential contributing factor to this decline, as these substances after entering the ocean, can be transported towards reef sites by ocean currents. To study the movement of the substances and their potential impact on coral reefs, we developed SCARIBOS, a fine-resolution hydrodynamic model of the South CARIBbean Ocean System, with a 1/100° resolution. SCARIBOS covers the period from April 2020 to March 2024 (excluding spin-up time) to analyse flow patterns within that period around the close proximity of Curaçao. Furthermore, SCARIBOS is used as hydrodynamic input for Lagrangian particle tracking analysis with the Parcels framework, where we assess the distribution of positively buoyant substances and explore connectivity within Curaçao’s coastlines as well as with nearby regions of Aruba, Bonaire, the Venezuelan islands, and a portion of the Venezuelan mainland. Results reveal two dominant processes: the northwest-directed Caribbean Current and weaker cyclonic eddies moving in the opposite direction. These flow patterns influence hotspot locations of higher substance concentrations observed during eddy events. Our analysis also highlights increased particle accumulation of land-derived substances in the northwest of Curaçao, corresponding to the prevailing currents. While the focus is on land-derived nutrients and pollutants, this methodology can be extended to study other particle types such as plastic debris and coral larvae, providing valuable insights for marine conservation efforts and environmental management.

Data and Resources

Additional Info

Field Value
Subject Earth and Environmental Sciences
DAS Code 7b.b.xh
Source https://dataportal.nioz.nl/doi/10.25850/nioz/7b.b.xh
Version 34
Creator(s)
Bertoncelj, Vesna (Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research)
Contact the corresponding author
Depositor Furu Mienis
Publication Date 2024-10-18
Deposit Date 2024-10-18
Dataset Persistent Identifier DOI:10.25850/nioz/7b.b.xh
Alternate identifier
Related identifier
Contributor NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research
Distributor Research Data Management(NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research)
Distribution Date 2024-10-18
Production Date 2024-10-18
Dates
Collected
2024-01-04 until 2024-01-20
64pe529
Funding References
NWO (NWOCA.2019.003)
SEALINK
Geographic Coverage