Lynn et al.: The California Current, 1997-1998, CalCOFI Rep., Vol. 39, 1998This report, part of a continuing series of annual reports
describing oceanographic conditions in the coastal
waters of the Californias, emphasizes the 1997-98 period.
The coastal waters of the Californias were strongly
influenced by El Niiio conditions beginning late in the
summer of 1997 and continuing into the summer of
1998. Timely prediction of the onset of this event made
it possible for several research programs to augment their
observation programs. We review the pattern of atmospheric
forcing and changes in the tropical ocean and
note the initial impacts upon the California Current system.
Sampling being done by the CalCOFI (California
Cooperative Oceanic Fisheries Investigations) program
is described, and recent data are summarized and interpreted. Data from several other programs including
oceanographic sampling off Baja California and central
California, and coastal data from buoys, shore stations,
and diving programs in kelp forests are reported. There
were large and rapid changes in atmospheric forcing and
in the upper ocean temperature and salinity distribution
and circulation pattern
