Mean surface meteorological parameter characterization at Kavaratti, Lakshadweep Island, South-East Arabian Sea

摘要

Soon after the south-west monsoon, mean surface meteorological parameters at the Kavaratti Island begin to change. Wind, which was south-west in direction during the monsoon period, turns to north-north and eventually to north-east direction with lesser intensity. Monthly mean wind speed in October was similar to 2 ms(-1) while in July it was similar to 7 ms(-1). Monthly mean surface air pressure in October was similar to 1008 hPa as against similar to 1007 hPa in July. Surface air-temperature and relative humidity also exhibited similar variability. Monthly mean air temperature and humidity in October were similar to 28 degrees C, and 76% respectively, while in July similar to 26 degrees C, and similar to 87% respectively were recorded. In general, wind was predominantly in the northorth-westerly direction throughout the year, except June-July during which a west/south-westerly winds was observed. Minimum atmospheric pressure occurs during June-July (southwest monsoon period) and the maximum during December-January (northeast monsoon period). Air temperature demonstrates steady increase from January to May before descending to minimum during July-August. During the observational period (2009) inverse relationships between barometric pressure and air-temperature was observed. Similar relationship between relative humidity and air temperature was also noticed.