High Resolution Time Series Observations of Bio-Optical and Physical Variability in the Arabian Sea.
Abstract
A mooring instrumented with optical and physical sensors within the upper 300 m was deployed for two consecutive 6-month periods (October 15, 1994 through October 20, 1995) in the central Arabian Sea (15 degrees 30'N, 61 degrees 30'E). Both the Northeast (NE) and southwest (5W) Monsoons were observed. During the NE Monsoon, wind speeds averaged 6m/s and reached up to 15 m during the 5W Monsoon. Intermonsoon periods (Spring, SI, and Fall, H) were characterized by weak and variable winds. Shortwave radiation and photosynthetically available radiation (PAR) displayed biannual cycles, peaking during the intermonsoon periods. The maximum winter mixed layer depth (MLD(1 degree C) ^ 110 m)) was deeper than the summer mixed layer (MLD(1 degree C) ^80 m )) primarily because of surface cooling and convection. A biannual cycle in chlorophyll was evident with greater values occurring during each monsoon and into the intermonsoon periods. High chlorophyll values associated with cool mesoscale features were also apparent during each monsoon. These mesoscale features and others have been documented using remotely sensed sea- surface height anomaly maps. Our results indicate that biological variability is important for the seasonal variability of the upper ocean heat budget of the central Arabian Sea.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 2000
- Accession Number
- ADA377005
Entities
People
- Tommy D. Dickey
Organizations
- University of California, Santa Barbara