Book excerpt: The seasonal variations in temperature, salinity, water masses and geostrophic currents at the surface and 200 m are discussed for the region off the Central California coast near Monterey. The results were obtained from data collected on six cruises covering a span of two years from 1970 to 1972. It is shown that the surface currents are subject to marked seasonal variability with the mean flow characterized by eddies and filaments. The currents at 200 m are similar to those found at the surface. The bottom topography influences the direction of flow inside the 1000 fathom curve. Seasonal variations in temperature and salinity generally conformed to Skogsberg's (1936) annual cycle composed of three distinct hydrographic seasons. Only subtle changes in water masses from season to season were noted. (Modified author abstract).