HYDROGRAPHIC ASPECTS OF COQUIMBO BAY

Abstract

Hydrographic studies in Coquimbo Bay show a seasonal cycle of temperature which is definied by the presence of a thermocline in spring and summer. Water inflow from the Elqui river affects the distribution of surface water salinity and dissolved silicate. The strongest fresh water impact was at December 1978 due to ice melting in the Andes. The ware refraction energy analysis allow us to characteriza two main areas: one of low energy, in the Southern pan of the bay and one of high energy, in the northern pan and near the La Serena s light house.