01-05 December 2025
INCOIS, Hyderabad, India.
| Abstract Submission No. | ABS-08-0162 |
| Title of Abstract | Interannual Variability of Sea Surface Salinity in the Andaman Sea: Patterns and Drivers |
| Authors | Jessin Joy Alex*, Akhil V. P, Joel John |
| Organisation | CSIR-NIO; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research |
| Address | DR1 NIO COLONY PANAJI, GOA, India Pincode: 403004 E-mail: jessinjoyalex@gmail.com |
| Country | India |
| Presentation | Poster |
| Abstract | The Andaman Sea, a semi-enclosed basin in the eastern Indian Ocean, is strongly influenced by freshwater input from the Irrawaddy River and a persistently positive precipitation-minus-evaporation, resulting in low sea surface salinity (SSS) and strong stratification. However, its interannual variability remains poorly understood due to limited in-situ observations. The present study analyzes 14 years (2010⿿2023) of satellite-derived SSS to investigate the temporal variability in this region. Results show pronounced seasonal and interannual fluctuations, with monsoonal winds driving the seasonal cycle. The strongest interannual variability is evident during the post-monsoon season. Interannual freshening events are closely associated with the positive phase of the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD), as evidenced by a significant negative correlation between post-monsoon SSS anomalies and the Dipole Mode Index. These SSS anomalies are linked to eastward propagating equatorial Kelvin waves generated by IOD related wind anomalies, which upon reaching the eastern Indian Ocean bifurcate at the Sumatra coast. The resulting northward propagating signal travels along the eastern boundary of the Andaman Sea, enhancing freshwater transport from north to south. The magnitude of this freshening is modulated by the strength of the IOD event. Our findings highlight the crucial role of remote equatorial dynamics in modulating SSS variability in the Andaman Sea and underscore the need for sustained observations in this climatically sensitive region. |
| Are you part of IIOE-2 endorsed project | no |
| Keywords | Andaman Sea, Surface Salinity, IOD, Coastal Kelvin Wave, Interannual Variability |
| For Awards | yes |
| Date Of Birth | 01-10-1998 |
| ECSN Registration Number | IIOE2-ECSN-0129 |