The Sea of Cortez

The ocean that I will be talking about for my final essay is the Sea of Cortez in Mexico for the reason that I visited over there before and I love it and it's just so beautiful.

Marine resource

The sea of Cortez, one of the most beautiful oceans in Mexico, or as known as “the world's aquarium” said famously by oceanographer Jacques Cousteau. The ocean of Cortez is one of the richest waters of the pacific ocean, attracting marine life and people for its incredible biodiversity. The ocean of the gulf of Mexico, including the ocean of Cortez is a Mid-Oceanic Ridge. Because of the rip that happens in between California all through the gulf of Mexico. When that happened it also helped us research the study of the earth crust and the earth's plates, which are now called plate tectonics.

The sea of Cortez is a high-level sea which attracts a lot of sea life. But in the 90s the marine life was nearly gone, because there was so much fishing going on that the sea of Cortez nearly didn’t have half of the population that it used to have until in 1995 a marine protected area called Cabo pulmo national park was established. which they established that commercial fishing was prohibited. Since then the population of fish has doubled. There have also been other corporations that have helped the sea of Cortez in early 2017 The Pew Bertarelli Ocean Legacy joined local partner Beta Diversidad to work with local communities, fishermen’s groups, non-governmental organizations, and scientists to call for the creation of a Marine Protected Area (MPA). help create laws of how to take care of the ocean.

Now the sea of Cortez is one of the most growing sea life oceans in the world. A hotspot for top ocean predators, including great white sharks, scalloped hammerheads, whale sharks, thresher sharks, and silky sharks. They are persistent, and have helped support a strong.Their presence has helped support a strong recreational dive industry which people all over the world go to see.

Every year around gray whales migrate more than 15,000km between the summer for their feeding grounds in the arctic between the nursing ground in the coastal lagoon of the southern Baja peninsula.

The sea also has a region feeding grounds for five of the seven sea turtle species, but it also is very dangerous for them because of legal fishing and are often killed, which is a tragedy to hear about this, but the organization is trying to prevent this from happening by creating aquariums for turtles so the population could keep on growing.

The ocean is also known for having more than 1000 dolphins and the ocean of Cortez also species of jumping mobula rays, and colonies of sea lions along the coastline. For fishes, it has nearly 900 species of fish; at least 27 species of seabirds breed in the island. The sea of Cortez also serves as major feeding and breeding zones for large marine mammals, including blue, humpback, gray, sperm, pilot, Baird’s beaked, and Bryde’s whales.

The corporation MPA also provides dwelling stocks of pacific sardines which helps out the majority species to rely on in the area, including marine mammals, sharks, tuna, bell fish, and sea turtles, providing these region of what safeguard, rich, marine life, and solutions the resources that help the local ecosystem.

Citations:

AMA 11th Edition
(American Medical Assoc.)
Reference List
Fish Populations in the Sea of Cortez Are Rebounding Thanks to a Marine-Protected Area. Sierra. 2018;103(6):1. Accessed March 16, 2023. https://search-ebscohost-com.vvc.idm.oclc.org/login.aspx?direct=true&db=8gh&AN=133142527&site=ehost-live

Damien Olivier, Hector Reyes-Bonilla, Romeo Saldívar-Lucio, Multidecadal changes in fish composition and traits diversity in a marine park in the Gulf of California, Biodiversity and Conservation, 10.1007/s10531-022-02484-9, 31, 13-14, (3197-3216), (2022)

Brad E. Erisman, Erin M. Reed, Martha J. Román, Ismael Mascareñas‐Osorio, Peter Sleen, Catalina López‐Sagástegui, Octavio Aburto‐Oropeza, Kirsten Rowell, Bryan A. Black, Relationships among somatic growth, climate, and fisheries production in an overexploited marine fish from the Gulf of California, Mexico, Fisheries Oceanography, 10.1111/fog.12537, 30, 5, (556-568), (2021).

Georgina Ramírez-Ortiz, Héctor Reyes-Bonilla, Eduardo F. Balart, Damien Olivier, Leonardo Huato-Soberanis, Fiorenza Micheli, Graham J. Edgar, Reduced fish diversity despite increased fish biomass in a Gulf of California Marine Protected Area, PeerJ, 10.7717/peerj.8885, 8, (e8885), (2020).

Pictures

Cuatro Cienegas softshell

Plate tectonics

The scientific theory of plate tectonics explains how landforms are created as a result of Earth’s subterranean movements. This relates to the undersea Flor Structure for the reason that in the 1960s a map flora showed a massive undersea mountain range that almost circled across the Earth scientist Harry Hess proposed that these ridges were the result of molded rocks, rising from the asthenosphere. it came to the surface, the rocks cold, making a new crush that was spreading away from seafloor and the ridge in a conveyer-belt motion. Decades later, the crash disappeared into the ocean trenches in a place called subduction zones and circled back into the earth. Magnetic data from the seafloor and related young age of oceanic crust, supported Hess’s theory of seafloor spreading.

The Sea of Cortés exists geographically because of plate tectonics. Movement of the Pacific and North American crustal plates began ripping the Baja peninsula and the western half of Southern California from mainland Mexico some six million years ago, opening up the Sea of Cortés in the process. Since then, the Pacific plate has moved some 330 km 200 miles northwards carrying Baja California and peninsular Southern California with it.

It all started in the late Jurassic period 140 million years ago geologist I have studied the rock formations at this time. And have discovered that conditions here were much more difficult than right now western northern America looked much like western Indonesia, with many offshore for Canik, islands and deep oceanic trench. The North America plate bears sediments brought in by rivers and streams along with volcanic deposits, reaching a thickness of many thousands of feet. The Farallon Plate, formed from igneous rock called basalt and shown here in black, slides underneath the North American Plate. Volcanic islands fed by the partial melting of the Farallon Plate, due to high pressure and temperature at great depth, form just east of the deep ocean trench that marks the boundary between the North American Plate and the Farallon Plate.

In the Middle Cretaceous Period which was 80 million years later the great thickness of Continental Sediments and volcanic rocks deposited upon the North American Plate are compressed into a great mountain range similar to the Andes in South America. The cold massive basaltic slab of the Farallon Plate continues to slide underneath the North American Plate. Giant magma bodies melt up into the overlying crumpled Jurassic age sediments, destroying much and cooking the rest to form a metamorphic rock. New volcanoes form on top of this great mountain range. Continuing the Late Cretaceous, which was 85 million years later

Mountain building begins to slow down. Erosion reduces the great Andean style mountain ranges. The giant magma bodies cool into large masses of igneous rock. These large structures are called batholiths and continued erosion eventually brings them to the surface. The volcanoes of previous times are eroded away and are replaced by new volcanoes. The Farallon Plate continues to slide slowly beneath the North American Plate.

citation:

illustration :https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/plate-tectonics/

Media Credits

The audio, illustrations, photos, and videos are credited beneath the media asset, except for promotional images, which generally link to another page that contains the media credit. The Rights Holder for media is the person or group credited.

Director

Tyson Brown, National Geographic Society

Author

National Geographic Society

Production Managers

Gina Borgia, National Geographic Society

Jeanna Sullivan, National Geographic Society

Program Specialists

Sarah Appleton, National Geographic Society, National Geographic Society

Margot Willis, National Geographic Society

Producer

Clint Parks

Other

Last Updated

August 17, 2022

Atmospheric & Ocean Circulation

The Sea of Cortez, also known as the Gulf of California, is a relatively small body of water located off the western coast of Mexico. Despite its size, the ocean circulation in the Sea of Cortez is complex and influenced by a variety of factors, including wind patterns, temperature gradients, and tidal forces.

One of the key drivers of ocean circulation in the Sea of Cortez is the seasonal variation in wind patterns. During the summer months, the region experiences strong winds from the northwest, which can create upwelling zones along the western coast. These upwelling zones bring cooler, nutrient-rich waters to the surface, which can support high levels of biological productivity.

Another important factor that influences ocean circulation in the Sea of Cortez is the temperature gradient that exists between the warm, tropical waters to the south and the cooler, more temperate waters to the north. This gradient creates a circulation pattern known as the "Cortez current," which flows northward along the eastern coast of the sea.

Tidal forces also play a role in shaping the ocean circulation in the Sea of Cortez. The region experiences semi-diurnal tides, which means that the tides rise and fall twice per day. These tides can create strong currents and mixing in certain areas, particularly near narrow channels and inlets.

In addition to the wind and tides, the circulation of the Sea of Cortez is influenced by the Coriolis effect, which causes the surface currents to rotate clockwise in the northern hemisphere and counterclockwise in the southern hemisphere. This rotation creates eddies and other complex flow patterns that can have a significant impact on the distribution of nutrients and other materials in the sea.

Human activities, such as fishing and shipping, can also impact ocean circulation in the Sea of Cortez. Overfishing and habitat destruction can alter the ocean's food web and disrupt natural circulation patterns, while shipping traffic can introduce pollutants and other contaminants into the water.

Overall, the ocean circulation in the Sea of Cortez is a complex and dynamic system that is influenced by a range of natural and human factors. Ongoing research and monitoring efforts are necessary to better understand and manage this important marine ecosystem.

Citation

1. Emery, W. J., & Meincke, J. (1986). Global water masses: Summary and review. Oceanologica Acta, 9(4), 383-391. (https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/item/128913)

2. Collins, C. A., & Hendershott, M. C. (1988). Observations of the Cortez current in the eastern Gulf of California. Journal of Geophysical Research: Oceans, 93(C11), 14203-14213. (https://doi.org/10.1029/JC093iC11p14203)

3. Beier, E. J., & Largier, J. L. (2010). Oceanographic conditions off the west coast of Baja California during 2002-2007. Progress in Oceanography, 87(1-4), 59-77. (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pocean.2010.09.012)

i

Tides and waves in the sea of Cortez

The Sea of Cortez, also known as the Gulf of California, is a marginal sea located between the Baja California Peninsula and the Mexican mainland. It is a unique and important marine ecosystem that is home to a wide variety of marine life, including numerous endangered species. Waves and tides play a critical role in shaping the environment around the Sea of Cortez.

Tides

The type of tides that affect the coast of the Sea of Cortez are semi-diurnal tides. This means that there are two high tides and two low tides each day, with each tide being of approximately the same height. The timing and height of the tides can vary depending on the location along the coast of the Sea of Cortez, as well as the phase of the moon and other factors such as weather patterns and ocean currents. However, in general, the semi-diurnal tides are the dominant type of tides that affect the entire length of the Sea of Cortez coastline.

Are there any tide power stations in the sea of Cortez?

There are currently no tide power stations operating in the Sea of Cortez. While the Sea of Cortez has significant tidal currents, which could potentially be harnessed for energy production, there are currently no known commercial-scale tidal energy projects in operation in the region. However, there has been some research and exploration into the potential for tidal energy in the Sea of Cortez, and it is possible that such projects may be developed in the future as the technology and infrastructure for tidal energy production continue to advance.

Is there any cultural or animals use of tides in the sea of Cortez?

tides have been an important part of the cultural and ecological history of the Sea of Cortez. The indigenous peoples who have inhabited the region for thousands of years, such as the Seri and the Cochimí, have traditionally relied on the tides for fishing and gathering seafood. They have developed sophisticated methods for harvesting a variety of marine resources during different phases of the tide cycle, including clams, oysters, crabs, and fish.

In addition, various marine animals that inhabit the Sea of Cortez, including whales, dolphins, sea turtles, and some species of fish, are known to use the tides to their advantage. For example, some species of whales and dolphins are known to follow the tides to move in and out of the Sea of Cortez, while sea turtles use the tides to help them navigate during their migrations.

Overall, the tides in the Sea of Cortez have played a significant role in shaping the culture and ecology of the region, and continue to be an important natural resource for both humans and wildlife.

Waves

Waves are the result of the transfer of energy through water. They can be caused by various factors, such as wind, tectonic activity, and the gravitational pull of the moon and sun. In the Sea of Cortez, waves are primarily driven by wind. The prevailing winds in the region come from the northwest and create waves that move southward along the coast. These waves can be quite large at times, especially during the winter months when storms are more common.

The impact of waves on the environment around the Sea of Cortez is significant. Large waves can cause erosion of the coastline and damage to structures such as piers and jetties. They can also disrupt marine ecosystems by stirring up sediment on the ocean floor and altering water currents. Waves can also affect the behavior and distribution of marine organisms, including fish and marine mammals.

the Sea of Cortez has a rich cultural history that is closely tied to the region's marine environment and the tides. The indigenous peoples who have lived in the area for thousands of years, such as the Seri and the Cochimí, have traditionally relied on the tides and marine resources for their livelihoods, and have developed sophisticated techniques for fishing and gathering seafood that are closely tied to the natural rhythms of the marine environment.

However, the increasing human population and pressures on the marine environment in the Sea of Cortez have had significant impacts on the region's cultural and ecological heritage. Overfishing, pollution, and habitat destruction have threatened the marine resources that are so important to the cultural practices and traditions of the indigenous peoples of the region.

In addition, the growth of tourism and development along the coast of the Sea of Cortez has had both positive and negative impacts on the region. While tourism has brought economic benefits to local communities and raised awareness of the importance of conservation and sustainable use of marine resources, it has also contributed to habitat destruction, pollution, and overfishing.

Overall, the cultural connections to the tides and marine environment of the Sea of Cortez are a critical part of the region's identity and heritage. However, ongoing efforts are needed to ensure that these cultural practices and traditions are preserved and sustained for future generations, while also protecting the marine environment and promoting sustainable use of its resources.

Citation:

Lopez-Venegas, A. M., et al. (2010). Wave-induced erosion along the western coast of the Gulf of California. Marine Geology, 273(1-4), 1-12.

Lubchenco, J., & Menge, B. A. (1978). Community development and persistence in a low rocky intertidal zone. Ecological Monographs, 48(1), 67-94.

Santos, L., et al. (2007). Tidal influence on the distribution and abundance of mangrove forests in the Gulf of California, Mexico. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science, 73(3-4), 421-429.

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse