Seasonal Heat Content Variations in the Northwestern Indian Ocean
Abstract
The changes of heat storage of the Somali Basin in the western Indian Ocean, as shown from 55 detailed temperature sections along the western sea lane (tanker XBT program 1975-1979), are only partly accounted for by the net heat gain at the sea surface. Vertical movement of the thermocline and horizontal advection appear to be the cause of major changes both between and during the monsoons. During the southwest monsoon the large amount of heat stored in the 0 to 400-m layer during northern spring (up to 31 x 10 to the 8th power J/sq m) is redistributed with a heat loss of approximately 13 x 10 to the 8th power J/sq m in the upper 0 to 100-m layer and the gain of a similar amount in the 100 to 400-m layer, caused to a large extent by the dynamic response of these layers to the monsoon wind stress. In late autumn this heat is then advected from the region. Reprints.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1987
- Accession Number
- ADA196423
Entities
People
- John G. Bruce
Organizations
- Naval Oceanographic Office