Loop Current
Part of the Gulf Stream, the Loop Current is a warm ocean current in the Gulf of Mexico that comes up from between Cuba and the Yucatán penninsula, moves north into the Gulf of Mexico, then east and south through the Florida Straits.
A related feature is an area of warm water called an "Eddy" or "Loop Current ring" that separates from the Loop Current, somewhat randomly. These rings then drift to the west at speeds of about 5 cm/sec (0.18 km/hr or 0.11 mph) and bump into the coast of Texas or Mexico.
Around 1970, it was believed that the Loop Current exhibited an annual cycle in which the Loop feature extended farther to the north during the summer. Further study over the past few decades, however, has shown that the extension to the north (and the shedding of eddies) does not have a significant annual cycle.
The Loop Current and its eddies may be detected by measuring sea surface level. Sea surface level of both the Eddies and the Loop on September 21, 2005 was up to 60 cm (24 inches) higher than surrounding water, indicating a deep area of warm water beneath them. [1]
Effect of loop current on hurricanes
During 2005's Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita, it was noted that the hurricanes greatly increased in strength as they passed over the warmer waters of the Loop Current. Parts of the Gulf of Mexico were up to 5° F (2.8° C) warmer than normal during this time. Storms that crossed Florida as Category 1 increased to Category 4 and Category 5 intensity when they moved over the Loop Current. Once Hurricane Rita left the Loop Current and passed over cooler water, it rapidly declined in strength.
After devastating Homestead, Florida, 1992's Hurricane Andrew briefly touched the Loop Current and made landfall as a Category 3. Hurricane Ivan rode the Loop Current twice in 2004. Finally, meteorologists speculate that Hurricane Camille managed to make landfall with fierce 190 mph (305 km/h) winds because it followed the Loop Current all the way up to shore near Pass Christian, Mississippi.
External links
- Ocean Surface Currents explains The Loop Current
- National Data Buoy Center
- Hurricane Rita Roars through a Warm Gulf
- CU-Boulder Researchers Chart Katrina's Growth In Gulf Of Mexico
- "Global Warming: The Culprit?" (Time Magazine, October 3, 2005, pages 42-46) - Loop Current mentioned
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