ROFFS™ - schaudt.us OCEANOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS
FOR THE TRINIDAD AND VENEZUELA MONITORING AREA
USING IMAGERY AND DATA FROM THE PAST 48 HOURS      

We are able to observe the ocean conditions in this area relatively clearly today using a combination of high resolution infrared and MODIS chlorophyll satellite imagery from the past 48 hours.

Overall, we continue to observe a relatively mild 0.8-1.2 knot current flowing in a north northwest direction over the work site. The current location of the center of circulation of the clockwise rotating eddy feature is approximately 120-140 miles east of the work site near 57°30’W & 10°30’N. The eddy appears to have become more organized since Friday suggesting stronger currents (3.0-3.5 knots) located within the western wall. The current location of the western wall of this eddy is from near 58°30’W & 10°30’N southward to near 58°20’W & 9°00’N. The western wall of the eddy is now estimated to occur at the work site in 2-3 weeks. When the western wall moves over the work site, we believe the currents will change and strengthen from 1.0-1.5 knots to 2.5-3.5 knots within a 24 hour time period. Between the western wall and the work site, we are able to observe the formation of a small counter clockwise circulation of water located near 59°00’W & 10°00’N. This small pool of water is pulling a finger of warmer blue 28.6°C water in a southward direction about 35-40 miles east of the work site. As the eddy continues westward towards the work site throughout the week, we believe there is the chance of a possible decrease in the current strength to between 0.4-0.8 knots with a change in the direction of flow from a north northwest direction to a southwest direction as the counter flow moves over the work site in an estimated 4-6 days. At this time, we believe the current ocean conditions will persist for the next 24-48 hours. 

The direction of flow of the water at the work Field appears to be in a northwest north direction with a relatively mild current strength estimated between 0.5-1.0 knots. We believe these conditions will continue to persist for the next week.