Open AccessMonsoons boost biological productivity in Arabian Sea
Author(s) -
Brink Kenneth,
Ar Robert,
Coble Paula,
Flagg Charles,
Jones Burton,
Kindle John,
Lee Craig,
Phinney David,
Wood Michelle,
Yentsch Charles,
Young David
Publication year - 1998
Publication title -
eos, transactions american geophysical union
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.316
H-Index - 86
eISSN - 2324-9250
pISSN - 0096-3941
DOI - 10.1029/98eo00120
Subject(s) - upwelling , downwelling , monsoon , oceanography , photic zone , geology , productivity , peninsula , climatology , structural basin , indian subcontinent , geography , nutrient , phytoplankton , paleontology , ecology , history , ancient history , macroeconomics , archaeology , economics , biology
Monsoons over the Arabian Sea—the oceanic basin that separates the Arabian peninsula from the Indian subcontinent—follow seasonal cycles, reversing directions twice a year, in summer and winter. Rather than spreading across the expanse of the sea, the southwest (summer) monsoon is often concentrated into a jet over the central Arabian Sea. Evidence suggests that variations in wind stress force substantial upwelling in the ocean to the west of the jet, and weaker upwelling or even downwelling to the east. This upwelling provides nutrients to the euphotic zone and enhances biological productivity.