Tidal and long-term exchanges through channels in the middle and upper Florida Keys

Current meter time series collected during 1994 and 1995 from channels in the Middle and Upper Florida Keys are used to investigate the movement of water between Florida Bay and Hawk Channel on the Atlantic side of the keys. The cumulative net displacement through Channel Two and Indian Key Channel indicates a long-term net outflow into Hawk Channel. Data from Whale Harbor Channel and Snake Creek show a long-term net flow into Florida Bay. Measurements from Tavernier Creek show a net inflow during the first half of a 3-mo study period and a nearly equal outflow during the second half. Amplitudes and local phase angles of the principal tidal constituents are used to calculate tide-induced volume transport.