Editing Geography of Palau (section)

== Oceanography ==
Most of the Republic of Palau lies within the influence of both the [[North Equatorial Current]] (NEC, flowing east to west) and the [[Equatorial Counter Current|Equatorial Countercurrent]] (ECC, flowing west to east). The influence of the NEC is strongest between November and May, when the trade winds prevail, and the ECC predominates the rest of the year. The [[Southwest Islands (Palau)|Southwest Islands]] lie more deeply within the influence of the ECC. [[Sea surface temperature]]s range from {{convert|81|to|86|F|C}} throughout the year. Subsurface temperatures to about {{convert|320|ft|m|abbr=on}} rarely fall below {{convert|79|°F|°C|abbr=on}}. Below this depth, the temperature drops quickly to less than {{convert|50|°F|°C|abbr=on}} at approximately {{convert|590|ft|m|abbr=on}}. The constant heating of the ocean surface in the tropics creates a highly stratified temperature regime in the water column, with little mixing. This general regime may vary locally or seasonally, as in the case of the upwelling of cold subsurface waters along steep leeward islands slopes.<ref name=":2">{{Cite book|last=Freifeld|first=Holly.|url=https://catalog.hathitrust.org/Record/009139042|title=A preliminary wildlife management plan for the Republic of Palau vertebrates|last2=Otobed|first2=Demei O.|last3=Palau.|date=1997|publisher=Division of Conservation/Entomology, Bureau of Natural Resources and Development, Republic of Palau|location=Koror}}</ref>