Observations of barrier layer in southeastern Arabian Sea using Argo observations

Abstract

We present in this work composite relationships among Barrier Layer (BL) depth, and various other parameters either directly responsible for its formation or the sequence of events which follow once it is formed. Underlying mechanisms responsible for the development of the BL depth, its sustenance and annihilation are examined in the southeastern Arabian Sea (SEAS) in the north Indian Ocean using primarily ARGO floats observations along with ancillary data from various satellites and surface currents from ocean model. All the available Argo floats observations of temperature and salinity as of December 2005 have been analyzed to evaluate the seasonal characteristics of barrier layer (BL) in this warm pool region of Arabian Sea. The annual average BL thickness in this region varies from 20 to 70 m, with larger values towards coast. The standard deviation is also high (15-30 m) in this region showing a strong seasonal variation. In a complete seasonal characteristic studied with the use of observations, BL thickness shows a primary peak (~ 50 m) in January and a secondary peak in September (~ 35 m). While the former is remotely forced, the later owes its generation to the local forcing via precipitation. TMI observations show a lag of 3 months in the SST warming with respect to the maximum BL thickness observed during January. Peak warming in SST during April immediately follows by rise in integrated water vapour. Interestingly, following the secondary maxima of BL, SST does not show any warming signature, possibly due to the overcast condition, preventing the surface from heating up.