Hidrography and river plumes in Golfo Dulce, south pacific of Costa Rica.

Oceanographic variables at 33 stations distributed in Golfo Dulce, Costa Rica, during the dry and rainy seasons between 2009 and 2010, were analyzed with CTD profiles, where salinity, temperature, sigma-T and currents were studied in the water column. Secchi depth and chlorophyll_ a were measured in surface. The main objective was to estimate the catchment area and estuarine plume dispersion formed with river discharge. Between the rivers Esquinas and Coto Colorado, decreased salinity ( 27°C (April to December). This research contributes to the knowledge of the oceanography of the Golfo Dulce and the feedback we receive from fluvial origin, claiming form providing inputs for the potential creation of a major new marine protected area system covering entire Golfo Dulce area and, ideally, the surrounding river systems that feed it.