Global and regional physical processes in the surface of the Indian Ocean

Abstract

Different scale processes govern the interaction between the atmosphere and the Indian Ocean, responsible for the flow of energy and the circulation of matter. Global processes acting on the surface, provide energy derived from solar, geothermal, and tidal sources. These large-scale processes are responsible for the development of exergy gradients that can be turned into secondary sources of exergy, such as wind, rain, and ocean currents. The purpose of this study is to identify particular physical processes on the surface and how they are connected to external sources of energy. The external sources of energy are responsible for a hierarchical network, primarily constituted by the wind and ndff, and secondarily, Ekman pumping, temperature, and salinity, which initiate the surface currents. The strong connection between the atmosphere and the Indian Ocean is highlighted by this hierarchical energy network. The importance of the geobiosphere in transforming driving energies into secondary energy flows is demonstrated by this work.