THE CARIBBEAM AHEA ~ PAKAUA 



Tropical cyclones do not visit this coast, but the persistence of southerly winds seems 

 to indicate the formstion of these storms to the north. 



The region lies near the thermal equ£,tor and, therefore, the annual range in temperature 

 is small. April is the wannest month and November the coolest. 



Annual precipitation is heavy and most of it falls during the rainy season. May to 

 December, but in extreme western Panama the rainfall is heavy at all seasons. The greatest 

 frequency of thunderstorms and the greatest amount of cloudiness occurs during the rainy 

 season. 



At Cristobal, the mean annual temperature for 27 years is reported as 80 degrees F. 

 with a maximum mean of 85 and a minimum mean of 76. There is a diurnal range of six to 10 

 degrees F., being smaller in the dry season. The mean relative humidity for 29 years is 63 

 per cent, the most humid months being from July to November. The average amount of rainfall 

 shows a mean for 65 years of 129.06 inches with the greatest amount in November (22.25 inches). 

 There was an average of 230 rainy days per year as calculated from readings of 28 years. 

 During the dry-season, winds have an average velocity of about 15 knots, but frequently 

 exceed 20 knots for considerable periods. In the rainy season, the average velocity is about 

 eight knots, but winds of greater velocity may be experienced during the passage of local rain 

 squalls. 



The Caribbean coast of Panama lies in a deep bight and the equatorial current does not 

 affect it since it cuts across the mouth of the bight from off the Goajira Coast to off Cape 

 Gracias a Dois. The counter current from the north passes the Panama coast fairly close 

 inshore, and continues along the Spanish Main. It acquires its greatest force between 

 Manzanillo Point and Farallon Sucio, is reported to run at a velocity of 3-1/2 knots at 

 times, and generally sets to the northeastward. However, wind shifts cause irregularities 

 in the force and direction of the flow so that the currents on this coast may be found to 

 be quite irregular at times. Local currents are sometimes encountered and these may form 

 eddies and other localized phenomena. In generad the countercurrent is found close inshore 

 and it usually has an eastward drift. 



Tides are almost inccnsequential. The mean rise and fall is about one foot and the 

 greatest variation, about two feet, is at Cristobal. The height is affected more by the 

 wind than any other factor. 



Ihe edge of the 100-fatham line is at relatively short distances off the coast. At 

 San Bias Point it is about four miles off and at Colon five or six miles distant. In the 

 Itosquito Gulf it is about four or five miles off but around Escudo de Veraguas it lies 

 about 20 miles off, Limon Bay, the Gulf of San Bias, Chiriqui Lagoon and Almirante Bay are 

 all within the 100-fathom depth. The average distance offshore averages hardly more than 

 four or five miles and there are no off -lying cays or banks of any consequence except in 

 the Uulatas Archipelago, Holandes Cays, and Escudo de Veraguas. The bottom is predominantly 

 coral mud and sand. There are areas of coral growth and some rocky areas. Heavy mu.d may be 

 found around river mouths. 



Average sea-^water temperatures range from 79.6 degrees F. in Febinzary to 82.6 degrees F. 

 in October. The changes are due, doubtless, to heating offects of the siin and to winds. The 

 waters of inshore areas are often turbid due to the pounding of waves on the beaches, to the 

 suspended matter carried by the numerous streams, and to the outwash from the teavy rains. 

 At times discolored water and drift may be encountered 30 or 4.0 miles offshore but usually 

 the offshore waters are clear and blue, 



Veiy little is known of the abundance of fish on the Caribbean coast of Panama although 

 it has been reported repeatedly that the area is quite barren, V/hile this may be true, there 

 is evidence to indicate that considerable supplies of fish may be found around the inshore 

 banks and cays. Possibly the reason for the lack of fishing is to be found in the unfavorable 

 weather conditions, lack of population and markets, poor transportation, and emphasis on 

 commercial agriculture. 



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