Near-surface circulation and kinetic energy in the tropical Indian Ocean derived form Lagrangian drifters

摘要

Trajectories of 412 satellite-tracked drifting buoys deployed in the tropical Indian Ocean have been analyzed to document the surface circulation and kinetic energy field. Only drifters drogued at 15 m depth and having drag area ratio greater than 35 are used to estimate current velocities. Unlike in earlier studies, the widening of the Equatorial Jet in the eastern equatorial Indian ocean and the westward flow at the Equator during July-August are apparent in the present data set.