ABSTRACT 



NAVOCEANO conducted two oceanographlc surveys In the ocean area 

 off Point Arguello, California, one in January and one in November- 

 December 1964. The primary purpose of the surveys was to investigate 

 the currents of the area; however, standard Nansen casts were taken, 

 and bottom sediment and plankton samples were obtained. 



Parachute current drogues were principally used to describe current 

 movement off Point Arguello. A strong westerly flow along the northern 

 portion of Santa Barbara Channel was noted in the surface layers. A 

 corresponding easterly flowing current also was noted in the southern 

 portion of the channel. 



The major features of the surface flow appeared to be a counterclock- 

 wise rotating eddy just off Point Arguello and a deflection of the 

 California Current due to the influence of Rodriquez Dome. 



ROBERT W. THOMAS 



Nearshore Surveys Division 



Oceanographlc Surveys Department 



