Preprints
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-3112
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-3112
21 Oct 2024
 | 21 Oct 2024

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

Vesna Bertoncelj, Furu Mienis, Paolo Stocchi, and Erik van Sebille

Abstract. 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.

Competing interests: At least one of the (co-)authors is a member of the editorial board of Ocean Science.

Publisher's note: Copernicus Publications remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims made in the text, published maps, institutional affiliations, or any other geographical representation in this preprint. The responsibility to include appropriate place names lies with the authors.
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This study explores ocean currents around Curaçao and how land-derived substances like...
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