Absence of seasonal upwelling in the Gulf of Panama

Each year, the Gulf of Panama undergoes a seasonal upwelling event, typically during the dry months from January to April. This process brings cold, nutrient-rich water from the deep ocean to the surface and plays a crucial role in marine productivity and regional climate regulation. However, in 2025, for the first time since records began, this upwelling did not take place. Scientific analysis attributes this to reduced trade-wind activity, which usually drives the upwelling through coastal wind jets. The absence of this event may have important ecological implications, including lower nutrient availability and increased stress on marine ecosystems.

This image, derived from data provided by the Copernicus Marine Service, shows sea surface temperature (SST) in the area in March 2024 and March 2025. The comparison reveals warmer surface waters in March 2025, consistent with the absence of cold-water intrusion normally associated with upwelling. 

Copernicus Marine data enables continuous monitoring of oceanic changes and provides key information for climate research and environmental policy in coastal regions.

Source:

Copernicus. (2025, September 26). Absence of seasonal upwelling in the Gulf of Panama. Copernicus Image of the Day.