Water characteristics and transport of the Antarctic circumpolar current in the Indian Ocean

Abstract

Geostrophic velocities are computed across meridians 37 degrees E and 105 degrees E using hydrographic data. The estimated mass transport is represented on a temperature - salinity diagram. The characteristics of the water within the Antarctic circumpolar current at 37 degrees E and 105 degrees E are discussed. The computed transport agrees with the previous estimates. Transports due to the current between 45 degrees S and the Antarctic continent at these two meridians are comparable. The westerly flow south of 42 degrees S at 105 degrees E is associated with a cyclonic eddy which appears to be a permanent feature, whereas the one at 50 degrees S is related to the topography of the region