Air‐sea interaction over the Indian Ocean during the contrasting monsoon years 2002 and 2003

Abstract

The air‐sea interaction processes over the Indian Ocean are studied using the satellite data from the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission Satellite for two contrasting monsoon years, namely 2002 (deficit) and 2003 (normal). The moisture transport for the two contrasting years was also analyzed using the NCEP/NCAR reanalysis data. Linear correlation coefficient between the convective heating over the Bay of Bengal and the zonal wind at 850 hPa over the peninsular India showed the maximum negative correlation (−0.41) and is statistically significant at 99.9% significance level with a lag of 3 days, with convection leading. The evaporation rates were lower (higher) over the Arabian Sea during active (weak) monsoon conditions, indicating its negligible influence on the ensuing monsoon activity over the subcontinent. Water vapor contents decreased substantially prior to the break over the Arabian Sea and low values prevailed throughout the break period. Further, it was seen that more moisture was transported into the subcontinent (equatorial region) during the active (weak) monsoon conditions.