9 research outputs found
Enhancement of regional variations in salinity and temperature in a coral reef lagoon, New Caledonia
Enhancement of regional variations in salinity and temperature in a coral reef lagoon, New Caledonia
The variability in salinity and temperature in the southwest lagoon of New Caledonia (2 100 km 2) under non-storm conditions is analysed using a 4-year dataset (1997-2001). Seasonal and interannual variations in salinity are amplified nearshore. Temperature is larger in bays than in the open lagoon during summer, the reverse is true in winter. El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) related nearshore temperature variations parallel those at regional scale, but with seasonal variations amplified. Haline stratification, if any, is enhanced in coastal areas