OceanSITES meeting in SIO

30 Nov – 2 Dec. 2011

Status on Equatorial Indian Ocean – OceanSITES

Long-term measurements of currents in the equatorial

Indian Ocean using deep-sea moorings –

Project funded by INCOIS/ MoES

by
70 75 80 85 90 95 100
25 25

Dr. VSN Murty 20

India
20

Latitude° N
National Institute of Oceanography 15
TS2 (17.5°N,89°E)
15

Regional Centre 10 10

176 Lawsons Bay Colony,

Visakhapatnam
5 5
70 75 80 85 90 95 100
Longitude° E
Equatorial Indian Ocean Observational Array since 2000

EQCM1
EQCM3 EQCM2

The current meter moorings project is being executed

since February 2000. Servicing of the moorings is being
done regularly onboard ORV Sagar Kanya.
Update status of 4 deep-sea current meter moorings in equatorial Indian Ocean

Duration of the moorings at each location

Mooring D: Deployment R: Recovery
Location
2000 2000-02 2002-03 2003-04 2004-06 2008-09 2009-10

D 01 Apr
D 13 Feb ‘00
D 23 Dec ‘00 2002 D 25 Sep 2003 D 07 Nov2004 D 15 Sep 2006 D 05 Jan 2009
EQCM 1
[Equator, to To to To To To
To
93°E]
R 30 Mar ‘02 R 23 Sep R 05 Nov 2004 R 13 Sep 2006 R 04 Jan 2009 R 03 Oct 2009
R 21 Dec ‘02
2003

D 26 Dec
D 19 Sep 2003 D 26 Oct 2004 D 21 Sep 2006 D 01 Jun 2008
D 14 Dec ‘00 2002
EQCM 2
[Equator, To To To To
To To
83°E]
R 24 Oct 2004 R 19 Sep 2006 R 30 May 2008 R 08 Oct 2009
R 24 Mar ‘02 R 17 Sep 2003

D 10 Sep 2003 D 18 Oct 2004 D 27 Sep 2006 D 27 May 2008

EQCM 3
[Equator, To To To To
77°E]
R 17 Oct 2004 R 25 Sep 2006 R 25 May 2008 R 22 Oct 2009

Each mooring has one uplooking 75 kHz ADCPs at 400 m and

RCMs at 3 levels of nominal depths of 1000 m, 2000 m and 4000 m.
OOS program would continue till 2012.
Planning to extend the program for another 5 years [2012-2017]
Update status of 7 deep-sea current meter moorings in equatorial Indian Ocean
Duration of the moorings at each location
D: Deployment R: Recovery
Mooring Location
2009-10 2010 – 2011 2011 - 2012

EQCM1 – [1N, 93E] D 01 Oct 2009 R 11 Oct 2010 D 11 Oct 2010 R 2011

NOT DONE due to

EQCM 1 – [Eq., 93E] D 05 Oct 2010 R 9Oct 2010 D 10 Oct 2010 R 2011 non-availability of the
vessels
EQCM1 – 1S, 93E] D 02 Oct 2009 R 6 Oct 2010 D 08 Oct 2010 R 2011

NOT DONE due to

EQCM 2
[Equator, 83°E]
D 10 Oct 2009 R 01 Oct 2010 D 03 Oct 2010 R 2011 non-availability of the
vessels

EQCM3 – [1N, 77E] D 21 Oct 2009 R 23 Sep 2010

D 24 Sep 2010 R 2011

NOT DONE due to

EQCM 3 – [Eq., 77E] D 24 Oct 2009 R 25 Sep 2010
D 27 Sep2010 R 2011 non-availability of the
vessels
EQCM3 – 1S, 77E] D 20 Oct 2009 R 28 Sep 2010
D 29 Sep 2010 R 2011

Each mooring has one uplooking 75 kHz ADCPs at 400 m and

RCMs at 3 levels of nominal depths of 1000 m, 2000 m and 4000 m.
OOS – Deep Sea Current meter moorings that are to be
Included in the OceanSITES list from the Indian Ocean

1)1N, 93E
2)Eq., 93E
3)1S, 93E
4)Eq., 83E
5)1N, 77E
6)Eq., 77E
7)1S, 77E
 Objectives

• To generate long-term currents data from the equatorial Indian

Ocean from 7 deep-sea mooring locations spread across and
along the equator from 77E to 93E.

• To describe the intraseasonal, interannual and long-term

variability
of currents in the equatorial Indian Ocean.

• To decipher the ocean processes and dynamics those impact the

surface and subsurface variability by employing various model
simulations to understand climate variability of the region.

• To study the deep-sea circulation from observations and model

simulations in the equatorial Indian Ocean.
 Achievements

 Generated a decade long time series current data at 93E location,

9 years long time series data at 83E and 7 years long time series at
77E in the eastern equatorial Indian. Additionally 4 moorings were
deployed in 2009 - at 1°N, 77°E; 1°S, 77°E, and 1°N, 93°E; 1°S, 93°E.

 Up-to-date data till 2010 were submitted to INCOIS and NIO, Goa.

 Identified and documented the intraseasonal variability in

meridional currents at biweekly (14 day) period in the upper 1000 m
from both observations and OGCM model simulations [Sengupta,
Retish, VSN Murty and V Fernando, JGR, 2004].

 Identified and documented the intraseasonal variability in

meridional currents at 10-20 day period in the deep-ocean waters
(2000 m and 4000m) and its linkage to the surface wind forcing,
from observations and OFES model simulations [Ogato, Masumoto,
VSN Murty and MSS Sarma, JGR, 2008].
 Achievements

 Identified and documented the intraseasonal variability in

observed equatorial currents in relation to the Indian Ocean Dipole
mode events [David, D.T., S. Prasanna Kumar, P. Byju, M.SS.
Sarma,
A. Suryanarayana and VSN Murty (JGR (Oceans), 2011].
 Plan of Cruises from
2012 onwards
during XII plan –

i) Two separate
cruises to complete
servicing of 7
moorings
ii) To orient
optimum technical
staff in the
360 nm deep-sea mooring
operations
Thank You
 Publications
David, D.T., S. Prasanna Kumar, P. Byju, M.S.S. Sarma, A. Suryanarayana and
V.S.N. Murty (2011) Observational evidence of lower frequency Yanai wave in
the central equatorial Indian Ocean. J. Geophys. Res., 116(6); 2011;
doi:10.1029/2010JC006603, 17 pp.

Ogata, T.; Sasaki, H.; Murty, V.S.N.; Sarma, M.S.S.; Masumoto, Y. (2008)
Intraseasonal meridional current variability in the eastern equatorial Indian Ocean.
J. Geophys. Res. (C: Oceans): 113(7); doi:10.1029/2007JC004331, 15 pp.

Cadden; D.D.H.; Subrahmanyam; B.; Chambers; D.P.; Murty; V.S.N. (2008)

Surface and subsurface geostrophic current variability in the Indian Ocean from
altimetry. Mar. Geod.: 32; 19-29.

Sengupta, D., Senan, Retish. Murty, V.S.N., Fernando, Vijayan. (2004). A

biweekly mode in the equatorial Indian Ocean. J. Geophys. Res., 109, C10003,
doi: 10.1029, 2004JC002329.
 Conclusions

• The presentation highlights the recent studies in the EIO

using the OOS currents data.

• Current variability across-the equator at 93E location is

presented for the period from Sept 2006 - October 2010.

• Spring EUC occurred consistently in March-April at 93E.

Monsoon season intraseasonal jets are noticed in July-August.

• Observational evidence to the meandering of the EUC and

Jet. Meandering is more visible in Spring season.
 Conclusions

• The presentation highlights the recent studies in the EIO

using the OOS currents data.

• Current variability across-the equator at 93E location is

presented for the period from Sept 2006 - October 2010.

• Spring EUC occurred consistently in March-April at 93E.

Monsoon season intraseasonal jets are noticed in July-August.

• Observational evidence to the meandering of the EUC and

Jet. Meandering is more visible in Spring season.
 Conclusions

• The presentation highlights the recent studies in the EIO

using the OOS currents data.

• Current variability across-the equator at 93E location is

presented for the period from Sept 2006 - October 2010.

• Spring EUC occurred consistently in March-April at 93E.

Monsoon season intraseasonal jets are noticed in July-August.

• Observational evidence to the meandering of the EUC and

Jet. Meandering is more visible in Spring season.
Last servicing of 7 mooring was done during October –
November 2010

Servicing of these
Moorings could not
be done in 2011
due to non-availability
of the vessels.
Current variability at 93E location
during 2006 - 2010
 Zonal current structure (96-464 m) at 0,93E during Sep 2006 – Dec 2008

2006 16-S 6-D 25-F 17-M 6-A 26-O 15-J 5-Ap 25-J 14-Sep 4-D 2008
Dominant eastward flows in the entire sub-surface layer
 Zonal current structure (104-472 m) at Eq., 93E during Jan. 2009- Oct. 2009

2009 6-J 2-F 1-M 28-M 24-A 21-M 17-J 14-Jy 10-Au 6-Sep 3-O 2009
Winter & Spring EUC in 2009. Monsoon season EUC in 2009
 Zonal current structure (48-368 m) at Eq., 93E during Oct 2009- Oct 2010
Zonal current(m/s) structure at 93E00 for 48 - 368 m layer
50 1.2

100
0.8

0.6
150

0.4
Depth(m)

200 0.2

250
-0.2

-0.4
300

-0.6

350 -0.8

06-Oct-200911-Nov-200918-Dec-200924-Jan-201002-Mar-201008-Apr-201015-May-201021-Jun-2010 28-Jul-201002-Sep-201009-Oct-2010
Time
2009 6-O 11-N 18-D 24-Jan 2-M 8-Apr 15-M 21-Ju 28-Jy 2-Sep 9-O
2010
Fall Jet in Nov 2009, Spring EUC & Jet ’10 . Intraseasonal monsoon jets.
 Zonal current structure (144-480 m) at 93E, 1N during 2009-2010
Zonal current(m/s) structure at location 93E1N for 144 - 480 m layer
0.6
150

200 0.4

250
0.2
Depth(m)

300

350

-0.2
400

450 -0.4

02-Oct-200908-Nov-200915-Dec-200922-Jan-201028-Feb-201007-Apr-201014-May-201021-Jun-2010 28-Jul-2010 04-Sep-201011-Oct-2010

Time
2-O 8-N 15-D 22-Jan 28-F 7-Apr 14-M 21-Ju 28-Jy 4-Sep 11-O 2010
EUC in March 2010 & Semi-annual variation is evident.
 Zonal current structure (48-368 m) at Eq., 93E during 2009-10
Zonal current(m/s) structure at 93E00 for 48 - 368 m layer
50 1.2

100
0.8

0.6
150

0.4
Depth(m)

200 0.2

250
-0.2

-0.4
300

-0.6

350 -0.8

06-Oct-200911-Nov-200918-Dec-200924-Jan-201002-Mar-201008-Apr-201015-May-201021-Jun-2010 28-Jul-201002-Sep-201009-Oct-2010
Time
6-O 11-N 18-D 24-Jan 2-M 8-Apr 15-M 21-Ju 28-Jy 2-Sep 9-O 2010
Fall Jet in Nov 2009, Spring EUC & Jet ’10 . Intraseasonal monsoon jets.
Zonal current structure (48-384 m) at 93E, 1S during Oct 2009-10
Zonal current(m/s) structure at location 93E1S for 48 - 384 m layer
50 1

0.8
100

0.6

150
0.4

200 0.2
Depth(m)

0
250

-0.2

300
-0.4

350 -0.6

03-Oct-200908-Nov-200915-Dec-200921-Jan-201027-Feb-201005-Apr-201012-May-201018-Jun-2010 25-Jul-201030-Aug-201006-Oct-2010
3-O 8-N 15-D 21-Jan 27-F 5-Apr 12-M 18-Ju 25-Jy 30-Au 6-O
Time

2010
Fall Jet ‘09 Spring EUC & Jet ‘10. Intraseasonal Monsoon Jets
Zonal current
structures in 1N,
93E
upper 400 m
at 1N, Eq., 1S
at 93E show
similar
structures at Eq,
Eq. and 1S, 93E

suggesting the
extent of
Jets and
EUC
1S,
across the 93E
Equator
up to 1S.

6 Oct. 2009 08 Apr 2010 6 Oct. 2010

 Meridional current structure across the Equator at 93E during 2009-10
Meridional current(m/s) structure at location 93E1N for 144 - 480 m layer
0.4
150

0.3
200

0.2

1N,
Depth(m)

250
0.1

300 0
93E
-0.1
350

-0.2

400
-0.3

450 -0.4

02-Oct-200908-Nov-200915-Dec-200922-Jan-201028-Feb-2010 07-Apr-201014-May-201021-Jun-2010 28-Jul-2010 04-Sep-201011-Oct-2010

Time
Meridional current(m/s) structure at location 93E00 for 48 - 368 m layer
50 0.8

0.6

Eq,
100
0.4
Depth(m)

93E
150 0.2

0
200
-0.2

250 -0.4

-0.6
300
-0.8

350 -1

06-Oct-200911-Nov-200918-Dec-200924-Jan-201002-Mar-201008-Apr-201015-May-201021-Jun-2010 28-Jul-2010 02-Sep-201009-Oct-2010

Time

Meridional current(m/s) structure at location 93E1S for 48 - 384 m layer

50 0.4

100 0.2

1S,
Depth(m)

150
0

200
93E
-0.2

250

-0.4

300

-0.6
350

03-Oct-200908-Nov-200915-Dec-200921-Jan-2010 27-Feb-201005-Apr-201012-May-201018-Jun-2010 25-Jul-2010 30-Aug-201006-Oct-2010

Time

3-O 8-N 15-D 21-Jan 27-F 5-Apr 12-M 18-Ju 25-Jy 30-Aug 6-
Thank You
EIO
experienced
IOD event
in 2002

Period in days

Intraseasonal variability at 30-50 d penetrates up to 4000 m depth and

the ISV period increases with depth: 75 d at 500-1000m and 85 d at 2 km.
EIO
experienced
IOD events
in 2005
and
in 2006

Period in days

Intraseasonal variability at 30-40 d penetrates up to 4000 m depth and

the ISV period increases with depth: 85 d at 500-1000m and 110 d at 2-4 km.
 Impact of equatorial zonal currents on the
alongshore currents off east coast of India

1. Zonal current variability at Eq., 93E during May – Oct. 2010

2. Alongshore current variability off Visakhapatnam at the

same period
3. Comparison of the zonal currents and alongshore currents
at 48 m depth
4. Spectra in the alongshore currents at different depths.
Zonal current structure (48 – 96 m) at Eq., 93E from May-Oct. 2010

Alongshore current structure (48 – 96 m) at Visakhapatnam

With a lag of 21 days, the alongshore currents do relate to the
Zonal current at the Equator and the linkage is through Kelvin Waves
Spectra of alongshore currents off Visakhapatnam at 24, 56 & 92 m

The spectral peaks at 21 d and 24 d at 24 m, 56 m depth reveal the

Equatorial connection in the shelf currents at 100 m water depth
 Plan of Cruises from
2012 onwards
during XII plan –

i) Two separate
cruises to complete
servicing of 7
moorings
ii) To orient
optimum technical
staff in the
360 nm deep-sea mooring
operations
 Conclusions

• The presentation highlights the recent studies in the EIO

using the OOS currents data.

• Current variability across-the equator at 93E location is

presented for the period from Sept 2006 - October 2010.

• Spring EUC occurred consistently in March-April at 93E.

Monsoon season intraseasonal jets are noticed in July-August.

• Observational evidence to the meandering of the EUC and

Jet. Meandering is more visible in Spring season.
 Conclusions contd…
• Meridional currents show the observational evidence of
the opposing currents at 1N and 1S at biweekly intervals
– more clear in winter months.

• During the IOD events the intraseasonal variability at

30-50 day period penetrates up to 4 km.

• The zonal currents at Eq, 93E during May-October 2010

are compared with the alongshore currents off
Visakhapatnam during the same period.

• A lag of 21 days in the alongshore currents relates the

alongshore currents with the equatorial zonal currents
through the propagation of downwelling and upwelling
Kelvin waves.
Zonal current
structures in the
upper 400 m 1N,
at 1N/1S, 77E & 77E
Eq. , 83E
do suggest
large scale Eq,
extent of 83E
Equatorial
Undercurrent
(EUC) across
Equator.
1S,
Fall jet – 3 d 77E
Spring jet – 15 d

6 Oct. 2009 08 Apr 2010 6 Oct.

 Period in days

Intraseasonal variability at 50-60 day period is dominant.

OFES simulations showing large scale meander of spring and fall
jets in EIO

October 11, 2003 April 14, 2004

 ADCP data analysis at 77E
Comparison of OFES
and ADCP currents

At 38 m At 94 m

Semi-annual period of
180 day in U and
bi-weekly wave of 15
day period in V are
evident.