South^^7est of Point ArguellO, a complex series of eddys and meanders 

 characterizes the surface flow. The major features of the area appear 

 to be a counterclockwise rotating eddy just off Point Arguello and a 

 seaward deflection of the California Current due to the influence of 

 Rodriquez Dome. 



The flow is northerly below 200 meters. A sluggish inflow into 

 Santa Barbara Basin is indicated. Within the basin, flow is slow 

 and erratic, apparently strongly influenced both by tidal and by 

 seiche effects, but a general counterclockwise rotation is indicated. 



Longshore currents transport sediments south and east along the 

 coast (Crowell, 1952). Some sediment is discharged eastward down 

 Arguello Canyon and its tributaries. 



VI. ADDITIONAL WORK NEEDED IN THE AREA 



Since the ocean area off Point Arguello offers a complex and 

 changing environment, additional seasonal surveys, with close sampling 

 grids, are needed for a thorough investigation of the currents. Time- 

 series data to show tidal effects on water movement would provide 

 corrections on parachute current drogues. 



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