Currents and Water Properties in the North-central Great Barrier Reef during the South-east Trade Wind Season

Abstract

Current meter recordings were made for 18 days at a site near Low Islets in the Great Barrier Reef lagoon and at another site in the nearby Trinity Opening. Hydrological data were collected inside the Barrier Reef and in the adjacent Coral Sea at the start of the experiment. The current records were analysed to gauge the effects of tides, wind, and open ocean circulation features. The lagoon flow was northward with a slight modulation due to the tides. The flow was reduced for several days at a time when there was enhanced eastward flow through Trinity Opening and out to the Coral Sea. The relatively low salinity, cool water in the lagoon is believed to have come from farther south and to have been diluted en route by river runoff.