Intra-annual studies of mixed layer depth in the Arabian Sea using a 3 ½ layer Indian ocean model

Abstract

Mixed layer is the upper layer of the ocean, where significant physical, chemical and biological activities take place. Knowledge of mixed layer depth variability is important in the studies of air-sea interaction, acoustic propagation, heat transport and fisheries. The Arabian Sea experiences extremes in atmospheric forcing that lead to intra-annual and inter-annual variability. Since the climatic conditions over the Arabian Sea are highly variable, the mixed layer depth also changes seasonally. Hence the intra-annual variability of mixed layer depth in the Arabian Sea has been examined using 3 ½ layer Indian Ocean model. The model is integrated for 8 years (1993–2000) with annually varying monthly averaged winds derived from ERS-2 scatterometer. In addition to this data, inter annually varying monthly averaged satellite estimates of precipitation from Global Precipitation Climatology were also incorporated in the model. Model results show a steady deepening of mixed layer depth in the central Arabian Sea during southwest monsoon period. The model shows its capability to predict the shallow mixed layer depths caused by coastal upwelling off Somalia during southwest monsoon period and is able to capture the Lakshadweep high/low as it predicted successfully the deeper/shallow mixed layer observed during these periods.