TEMPERATURE, SALINITY, AND DENSITY OF THE WORLD'S SEAS: BAY OF BENGAL AND ANDAMAN SEA
Abstract
The values and variations of temperature, salinity, and density in the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea depend largely on the monsoonal regime. In addition, because of the semienclosed geography of the region, water masses outside the area can influence the bay waters only from the south. The wind, rain, and land drainage cause a year-round low-salinity surface layer to form. Toward the end of the northeast monsoon, the surface waters in the Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea become warmer and more saline, reaching the year's maximum for temperature and salinity in May. As the southwest monsoon approaches the east coast of India, the warm, highly stratified surface layers cool, tumble and mix thoroughly. Upwelling is a prominent feature of both monsoons. During the northeast monsoon it is prevalent along the coasts of Burma and eastern India, whereas during the southwest monsoon it occurs along the coasts of southwestern India and the Malay Peninsula.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1967
- Accession Number
- AD0820709
Entities
People
- Paul E. Laviolette
Organizations
- Naval Oceanographic Office