Abstract
Satellite-tracked surface drifters were used to analyze the characteristics of inertial currents in the tropical Indian Ocean. The drifters were drogued at 15 m depth and had wind-produced slips less than 0.1 % of the wind speed. The rotary spectra of surface velocity components indicated the significance of inertial currents. They are circular (rotary coefficient >0.5), highly intermittent and contribute up to 46 % to the total kinetic energy of the surface flow field. Events of inertial activity, either triggered by the passage of atmospheric disturbances or by the local fluctuations in the atmospheric pressure (winds), did not last for more than 4 to 5 inertial cycles. The observed inertial frequency exhibited a shift towards the red end of the spectrum by 12 %. Cyclonic storm induced inertial events even at a location 300 km away from it.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
