Bottom homogeneous layers in the Florida Current

A total of 495 STD traces obtained from surface to bottom casts made in transects of the Florida Current east of Miami is examined for bottom homogeneous layers. Bottom layers are seen at all stations; however, at none of the examined stations was a bottom layer a permanent feature. The variation of frequency of occurrence and the variation of the depth of these layers across the Florida Current are examined and a possible explanation for their distribution is presented. The observations show that generally thicker layers are associated with cooler water and thinner layers with warmer water. We suggest that horizontal advection across topographic slopes is an essential ingredient of homogeneous layer formation.