That raises a question. I would have thought the shallower parts of the gulf would be the warmest. Why is the middle the warmest? In a pond you get to the edge and it's markedly warmer as you get to the edge, and in the middle, after you churn down below the surface it gets downright chilly.
Anyone have any thoughts?
My guess is that the warmer water comes up from the Carribean into the southern gulf.