Two decades of current observations in the equatorial Indian Ocean

Abstract

Deep-sea moorings in the equatorial Indian Ocean were first deployed by India in the year 2000, and currents were measured at three locations (77°E, 83°E, and 93°E) on the equator. In this paper, we present two decades of current observations from these moorings and discuss how the moorings have evolved with time. The observations show that the 180-day (90-day) period dominates the surface and mid-depth (bottom) circulation. Though the Wyrtki Jets are strong, the near-surface currents do not show any clear semi-annual reversals. The reversals become evident only below 100 m