Intraseasonal thermocline variability in the Equatorial Indian Ocean

Abstract

Satellite and <i>in situ </i>observations in the equatorial Indian Ocean have shown spectral peaks at

30-60 days and at 90 days periods. However, spectral analysis of thermocline variability in this particular ocean basin seems to have escaped the attention of researchers. In this study such an analysis has been carried out using primarily the data from a buoy. Other auxiliary data like satellite observed sea level anomaly and winds have also been used in this study. Further supporting evidence comes from the data generated by a numerical ocean circulation model. This model has been forced by QuikSCAT scatterometer winds and NCEP fluxes. Spectral analysis of current, thermocline depth and sea level anomaly from this model also supports the existence of the mentioned periodicities.