Determination of vertical velocities in the equatorial part of the Western Indian Ocean

Abstract

Using steady state two-dimensional turbulent diffusion equations of salt and heat some important characteristics of vertical circulation in the equatorial part of the Indian Ocean have been evaluated and discussed. Upwelling and sinking velocities, on an average, vary from 10/2 to 10/3 cm.sec/1 in the domain, and along the coast of Somalia; vertical velocities of the order of 10/1 to 10/2 cm.sec/1 have been obtained. The study has enabled the identification of zones of convergence and divergence in the equatorial part of the Indian Ocean. Accuracy of the present method depends on the data on temperature and salinity and also on the values of eddy coefficients.