Speaker

Paula Pérez-Brunius, Ph.D. ’02, Faculty Member, Centro de Investigación Científica y de Educación Superior de Ensenada

Transport, Dispersion, and Mixing Processes in the Gulf of Mexico: A Lagrangian perspective

Abstract

This talk presents a thematic mosaic of several studies that examine diverse aspects of tracer transport, dispersion, and mixing in the Gulf of Mexico. Drawing on observations from surface drifters, subsurface floats, and other Lagrangian tools, the presentation highlights the available databases and the insights gained through their analysis. It also showcases methodologies that have enabled us to tackle interdisciplinary problems as varied as dominant patterns in surface and deep circulation, relative dispersion across scales and dynamic conditions, biological connectivity driven by larval transport, and the ecological risk due to deepwater oil spills. These advances have been made possible through the collaboration of scientists from different disciplines across institutions in both Mexico and the United States, supported by funding from agencies in both countries. This effort has not only expanded the scope of available data but also fostered the development of shared frameworks for the ongoing understanding of this fascinating marginal sea.