On the vergence field in the North Indian ocean

Abstract

The paper presents some of the results of investigation on the divergence and convergence of the surface waters in the North Indian Ocean, for different months of the year. The divergence is computed by a graphical method from the data on surface currents. The divergence pattern shows considerable seasonal and space variations. Several centres of strong divergence and convergence occur in the open regions in the equatorial parts of the Indian Ocean throughout the year. But strong divergences and convergences also occur in nearshore regions during certain periods of the year; for example, on the east coast of India, a strong divergence occurs in the month of March. Similarly, on the Somali coast, strong divergences with central values exceeding 40 units (1 unit=2x10^-7 sec^-1) often occur. The investigation shows that the monsoon months (June, July and August) are the months of intense divergence of surface currents in the North Indian Ocean. During this period, the central values of some of the devergences and convergences exceed 60 units. The intense divergence during the monsoon months may be ascribed to the strong monsoon winds over the area. The investigation shows that the monsoon months (June, July and August) are the months of intense divergence of surface currents in the North Indian Ocean. During this period, the central values of some of the devergences and convergences exceed 60 units. The intense divergence during the monsoon months may be ascribed to the strong monsoon winds over the area.