Overview
The Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea converge at the Yucatan Peninsula and Central America. It occurs through a narrow strait known as the Yucatan Channel. The underwater landscape at the convergence edges of the sea and ocean is marked by extreme geologic forces. It has unforetold impacts both on land and ocean fauna and flora, from massive hurricanes to diminutive water silt production. In order to gain an understanding of where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Caribbean Sea, an exploration of the mechanisms and characteristics of the Yucatan Channel and its geology is necessary.
Hydrography and Oceanography
The Yucatan Channel is the convergence of the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, situated between Central America and the Yucatan Peninsula. It is around 230 kilometers long, between 15 and 40 kilometers wide and crosses depths of around 40 meters. The Channel is separated by the sea shelf which is an overall shallow continental margin.
The inflow of the cold waters of the Atlantic to the Caribbean enhances ocean stratification, forming the extensive Loop Current System. This powerful current carries tropical, warm water in its upper layers, while the bottom wind remains cold, of Atlantic origin. The loop current is separated from the Caribbean by the Yucatan current, which flows out of the Caribbean, towards the east.
Meanwhile, the Caribbean Sea itself is mostly shallow and lies level with the surrounding continental margins, which range in depths from 1,200 to 6,000 meters. It is a preferred habitat for reef-building polyps, shallow invertebrates, sponges and many other species of fish.
Impact on Flora and Fauna
The Channel represents a natural barrier for land flora and fauna and there is little interdate between the Yucatan Peninsular and Central America in terms of species. This places an extra challenge on the divide, as higher land biodiversity is sometimes found when interbreeding occurs.
In addition, the diversity of oceanic species is higher in the Caribbean Sea than in the Atlantic. The convergence edge is home to some of the most particular species of fauna, with a higher presence of threatened species. Here, the loop current has a major effect, carrying the precious cargo of the reproductive material of particular species of fish, shrimp and various other invertebrates. This, combined with the shallow continental margin, gives life to some of the most unique ecosystems to be found in the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea.
Geology and Topography
The Yucatan Channel, is a submarine bridge of large proportions that form part of the Mesoamerican arc of volcanic islands, and is characterized by unusual bathymetric features. The relatively shallow depths of the Channel allows seismic activities that result from the convergence between the Caribbean Plate and the North American Plate to occur. The Channel, therefore, is marked by a high degree of volcanism, with geothermal forces giving rise to very turbid waters, filled with mud and sludge, and the presence of hot springs.
The Yucatan Channel is filled with sediment, which is accentuated with the periodic freshwater releases of Mexico’s freshwater systems. This causes turbidity which locally causes reduced amounts of light and so has an effect on the local livings species which rely on light. The sediment is composed of molasse rocks, which are composed by terrestrial material originating in the Quaternary.
Biodiversity Hotspots
The convergence of the Atlantic and Caribbean Sea represents a unique area of interest for conservationists and researchers due to the particular environment and biodiversity of the oceans. It is here where the effect of the strong cold water of the Atlantic and the warmer water of the Caribbean merges.
The Channel also contains a number of open ocean coral reefs, this means coral reefs which are located in open oceanic regions and not inshore regions, enabling them to boast greater diversity. These reefs are found in the Caribbean Sea and originate from St. Croix, in the eastern Caribbean, to the Yucatan Peninsula. There is also a concentration of reefs in the Bahamas archipelago which plays an essential role in the exchange of fauna between the Caribbean and the South Atlantic Ocean.
Climate Change and Sea Level Rise
Researchers predict that climate change and sea level rise will have a major impact on the biodiversity of the Caribbean sea. Higher sea levels may result in the rise of oceanic temperatures, acidification and other alterations in the way of life of open ocean coral reefs. Changes in this current may result in greater turbulence, affecting the mixing of cold and warm water currents and in turn, impacting on the movement of some species.
Global warming also has an effect on the water temperatures of the Atlantic, leading to increased storms and hurricanes in countries bordering the Caribbean sea. The affects of these storms on coastal lands and lands fragmented by human activities may impact the shape of the coast of the Yucatan peninsula and Central America, leading to an eventual disconnection of the Yucatan Channel.
Cultural Impacts
The convergence of the Atlantic and the Caribbean Sea has been of great economical and cultural value to Mexico, the Caribbean, Central and South America, providing economic opportunities across the region in the form of fisheries, merchant shipping, tourism and many more activities.
In addition, the cultural connections between the Caribbean nations and Mexico are evident in the many iconic foods that the countries have in common, for example the popular dish of Pescadillas. The presence of the Yucatan Channel established a connection between the cultures of the Caribbean and the southern part of Central America which is defined by strong cultural, religious and linguistic connections.
Sustainable Development
The sustainable development of the Yucatan peninsula and Central America needs to take into account this particular environment. The land has been used mainly for agricultural production and urban spaces, with land infrastructure and human settlements trespassing on oceanic habitats.
The safeguarding and conservation of this region has been a priority, but in order to create true progress, the region needs to enhance collaborative efforts among all the stakeholders, local, regional and even global. This includes Mexico, the Caribbean and Central America, who need to assume a more responsible attitude with respect to the conservation and preservation of the environment.
The Human Factor
The advances in technologies, such as satellites and underwater robotics, have enabled a greater level of understanding of where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Caribbean Sea. This has been particularly effective for areas which are difficult to access. This technology has enabled human exploitation of the oceans, even in inaccessible places, such as the deep sea. In addition, underwater robotics can map the sea bed, ascertain the biodiversity of a region more precisely and monitor oceanic environments.
This has allowed a greater level of control of the environment, with conditions becoming more sustainable and regulated. This also has great potential for aquaculture due to its potential for larger scale production. It has also has been used for scientific research projects, allowing humans to explore and understand these environments more profoundly.
