Quantifying the processes controlling intraseasonal mixed‐layer temperature variability in the tropical Indian Ocean

Abstract

AbstractSpatial and temporal variation of processes that determine ocean mixed‐layer (ML) temperature (MLT) variability on the timescale of the Madden‐Julian Oscillation (MJO) in the Tropical Indian Ocean (TIO) are examined in a heat‐conserving ocean state estimate for years 1993–2011. We introduce a new metric for representing spatial variability of the relative importance of processes. In general, horizontal advection is most important at the Equator. Subsurface processes and surface heat flux are more important away from the Equator, with surface heat flux being the more dominant factor. Analyses at key sites are discussed in the context of local dynamics and literature. At 0°, 80.5°E, for MLT events > 2 standard deviations, ocean dynamics account for more than two thirds of the net tendency during cooling and warming phases. Zonal advection alone accounts for ∼40% of the net tendency. Moderate events (1–2 standard deviations) show more differences between events, and some are dominated by surface heat flux. At 8°S, 67°E in the Seychelles‐Chagos Thermocline Ridge (SCTR) area, surface heat flux accounts for ∼70% of the tendency during strong cooling and warming phases; subsurface processes linked to ML depth (MLD) deepening (shoaling) during cooling (warming) account for ∼30%. MLT is more sensitive to subsurface processes in the SCTR, due to the thin MLD, thin barrier layer and raised thermocline. Results for 8°S, 67°E support assertions by Vialard et al. (2008) not previously confirmed due to measurement error that prevented budget closure and the small number of events studied. The roles of MLD, barrier layer thickness, and thermocline depth on different timescales are examined.