246
R.R. Twilley et al.
100 Ill
GULF OF
GUAYAQUIL ....----:---'
Fig. 17.1. Map of the coastal zone of Ecuador with details of the Gulf of Guayaquil and
the Guayas River estuary
17.2 Environmental Setting
The oceanic region off the coast of Ecuador is formed by unique coastal
ocean currents that influence the ecology of the coast (Wyrtki 1966). The
region represents a transition zone of tropical and subtropical water masses that form an equatorial front. The equatorial front moves seasonally
along the coast, mixing less saline (<34), tropical (>25°C) water of the
R.R. Twilley et al.
100 Ill
GULF OF
GUAYAQUIL ....----:---'
Fig. 17.1. Map of the coastal zone of Ecuador with details of the Gulf of Guayaquil and
the Guayas River estuary
17.2 Environmental Setting
The oceanic region off the coast of Ecuador is formed by unique coastal
ocean currents that influence the ecology of the coast (Wyrtki 1966). The
region represents a transition zone of tropical and subtropical water masses that form an equatorial front. The equatorial front moves seasonally
along the coast, mixing less saline (<34), tropical (>25°C) water of the