Epr. Rao et al., Heat content variability in the tropical Indian Ocean during second pre-INDOEX campaign (boreal winter 1996-1997), CURRENT SCI, 76(7), 1999, pp. 1001-1004
Surface meteorological data and upper ocean temperature profiles are obtain
ed on-board ORV Sagar Kanya (cruise 120) during the second pre-INDOEX Campa
ign (December 1996-January 1997) for evaluating the north-south variability
of surface heat fluxes and upper oceanic heat content. Heat content in upp
er 200 m decreased southward by 50 x 10(8) Jm(-2) along the ship's track. T
here is a net heat loss on either side of the equator with a marginal gain
at the equator. In the vicinity of the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone arou
nd 8 degrees S where sea surface temperature is maximum, the heat content i
s conspicuously low, suggesting the divergence regime in the water column (
0-200 m) due to a shear between southern equatorial and equatorial counter
currents.