Seasonal upper ocean heat budget of northern part of Somali current area

Abstract

Seasonal variability of upper ocean thermal structure and heat budget of a selected area in the northern part of Somali current region are studied using long term data. Thermal structure variations are mainly influenced by the complex dynamics, characterised by the presence of anticyclonic eddies and their movements, encountered in this region. Consequent to the intense up and down movements of isotherms during different phases of southwest monsoon, semi-annual fluctuations are observed in the thermal characteristics. In the upper 200 m, maximum heat depletion (similar to 500 W.m(-2)) and maximum storage (similar to 600 W.m(-2)) are noticed during June-July and in September respectively. Annual cycle of heat advection and heat distribution on a seasonal basis are also presented. Heat export from this area prevails for about 8 months in an year. Error estimates in the components of heat budget have been presented.