Methodology:

Methodology is explained in Lindo-Atichati et al. (2016). As a brief summary, we constructed a hierarchy of four ocean-atmosphere models operating at multiple scales within a 1 × 1 deg domain of the Belizean Barrier Reef. The four models are: 1) A Low-resolution Ocean model and Low-resolution Atmospheric model (LOLA); (2) A High-resolution Ocean model and Low-resolution Atmospheric model (HOLA); (3) A High-resolution Ocean model and High-resolution Atmospheric model (HOHA); (4) A High-resolution Ocean model and High-resolution Atmospheric model with Tidal forcing (HOHAT). The ocean models are based on the HYbrid Coordinate Ocean Model (HYCOM, Bleck, 2002; Chassignet et al., 2003; Wallcraft et al., 2009). The atmospheric models are based on the non-hydrostatic Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) and on the Navy Operational Global Atmospheric Prediction System (NOGAPS). The drifter data was from surface drifters provided by the Consortium for Advanced Research on Transport of Hydrocarbon in the Environment (CARTHE).

Sampling and analytical procedures:

From May 30 to July 2 of 2013, 55 drifter deployments were made at 1–5 km off a 40 km stretch of the BBR centered on South Water Caye (16.82 deg N, 87.97 deg W) (Fig. 2 b and c of Lindo-Atichati et al (2016)). The hierarchy of four ocean-atmosphere models were used for the larger area from 16.35 to 17.30 deg N, and from 87.48 to 88.47 deg W (Fig. 1 of Lindo-Atichati et al (2016)).

Instruments:

The drifters are drogued at 40 cm and designed to sample the near-surface current while minimizing windage. They are tracked using Global Positioning System (GPS) every second with 5 m accuracy. The GT-31 GPS receivers are set in a waterproof housing attached to the drifter.