Influence of Mesoscale Features on Mixed Layer Dynamics in the Arabian Sea
Abstract
During the summer monsoon season from June through September, low‐level winds from the Findlater Jet induce strong mesoscale activity and seasonal deepening of the mixed layer. For the first time, we have investigated the impact of mesoscale features on the strong intraseasonal variability of the mixed layer depth in the Arabian Sea using simulations from a reanalysis version of the HYbrid Coordinate Ocean Model and the European Centre for Mid‐range Weather Forecasting ERA‐Interim product. We identify and track mesoscale eddies using an eddy‐tracking algorithm during strong and weak summer monsoon conditions to determine the importance of mesoscale features on mixed layer variability during strong and weak wind forcing. We identify frontal systems in the Arabian Sea and observe how they strengthen with depth throughout the summer monsoon season. To quantify the role of these features on mixed layer variability, we also explore the roles of wind forcing, evaporation, precipitation, significant wave heights, and surface heat fluxes on mixed layer variability. A mixed layer heat budget was computed in the Arabian Sea, finding a strong dominance of vertical advective entrainment followed by compensation by horizontal processes indicating strong mesoscale activity.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Pub Defense Publication
- Publication Date
- May 01, 2019
- Source ID
- 10.1029/2019jc014965
Entities
People
- Bulusu Subrahmanyam
- Corinne B. Trott
- Ebenezer S. Nyadjro
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- University of New Orleans
- University of South Carolina