Heat exchange at the air-sea interface in the Red Sea by equilibrium temperature method

Abstract

For estimating the net heat flux by equilibrium temperature method, the Red Sea is divided into five regions (South, South Central, Central, North Central and North) each extending 3o latitude from near Bab-el-Mandab (13 o N) to Suez Canal (≈28oN). Monthly averages of oceanographic and meteorological data 1995-2012 (1ox1o grid) over the Red Sea are from Comprehension Ocean Atmosphere Data Sets (COADS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). On an annual basis sea gains heat of 8 and 10 Wm-2 respectively in the South and South Central region. In the Central, North Central and North regions the loss of heat is about 22, 30 and 75 Wm-2 respectively. As a whole the annual average loss of heat from the Red Sea is 22Wm-2. Earlier studies also conclude a net loss of heat at the surface which is compensated by advective heat flux through Bab-el-Mandab varying from 7 to 19 Wm-2.