Satellite-derived monthly average wind fields over the Indian Ocean in April-July 1988

Abstract

This paper describes the average monthly wind flow for the period from April, 1988 to July 1988 based on the INSAT-derived cloud motion vectors over parts of the Indian Ocean, Comparison of these patterns has been made with those obtained earlier during MONEX 1979 with, GOES data and with the mean monthly climatology given in the IIOE atlas. The vorticity and vergence fields derived from the average wind fields have also been discussed. The transition from the pre-monsoon to the monsoon pattern IS clearly brought out in the analysis. In June, the east-to-west increase of the wind speed towards Somali coast is strongest along 2.oN and further strengthening of the wind down-stream in low level flow reflects the formation of the low level Jet.