Physico-chemical characteristics and circulation of waters in the Mauritius-Seychelles ridge zone, southwest Indian Ocean

Abstract

Influence of north-south oriented Mauritius-Seychelles ridge on flow patterns in the southwest Indian Ocean has been studied using IIOE data. The ridge affects the zonal flow by causing divergence (upwelling) with a consequent increase in nutrient levels in its leeward side especially during winter. Distributions of physico-chemical parameters together with geostrophic flow patterns for both austral winter (June to August) and summer (December to February) seasons are also presented. The occurrence of 2 general gyres - clockwise and anticlockwise rotations with centres around 12ᵒ S and 22ᵒ S respectively - is a general characteristic feature of the surface circulation in the southwest Indian Ocean