Oceanographic features in the vicinity of Japaratuba Canyon, Sergipe, Brazil

ABSTRACT This study presents an initial assessment of the hydrographic characteristics in the region of the Japaratuba Canyon on the continental shelf of Sergipe, Brazil. An oceanographic campaign was conducted, during which two high spatial resolution transects were made on the north and south sides of the canyon, along with a transverse transect. The results indicate that the hydrographic features are similar to those found on the continental shelf of Pernambuco, with the dominant water mass being Tropical Water. However, it differs in having a much greater influence from Coastal Water, as a result of the dispersion of the São Francisco River plume to the south and from small rivers that discharge into the northern portion of the continental shelf of the state of Sergipe. The near bottom turbidity and chlorophyll were relatively higher in the southern section, what can be an indication that the presence of the canyon can produce a localized upwelling effect, with the canyon playing a role in allowing the approach of water from the top of the nearest permanent thermocline to the coast.