Biogeochemical variability in the equatorial Indian Ocean during the monsoon transition

Abstract. In this paper we examine time-series measurements of near-surface chlorophyll concentration from a mooring that was deployed at 80.5° E on the equator in the Indian Ocean in 2010. These data reveal at least six striking spikes in chlorophyll in October through December, with approximately 2 week periodicity, that coincide with the development of the fall Wyrtki jets during the transition between the summer and winter monsoons. Concurrent meteorological and in situ physical measurements from the mooring reveal that the chlorophyll pulses are associated with intensification of eastward winds at the surface and eastward currents in the mixed layer. These observations are inconsistent with upwelling dynamics as occurs in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, since eastward winds that force Wyrtki jet intensification should drive downwelling. The chlorophyll spikes could be explained by two alternative mechanisms: (1) turbulent entrainment of nutrients and/or chlorophyll from across the base of the mixed layer by wind stirring or Wyrtki jet-induced shear instability; or (2) enhanced horizontal advection of high chlorophyll concentrations into the convergent equatorial zone. The first mechanism is supported by the phasing and amplitude of the relationship between wind stress and chlorophyll, which suggests that the chlorophyll spikes are the result of turbulent entrainment driven by synoptic zonal wind events. The second mechanism is supported by satellite chlorophyll observations that reveal a clear connection between the increased chlorophyll concentrations at the mooring location and larger-scale topographic wake effects from the Chagos–Lacadive Ridge upstream. The biweekly periodicity of the chlorophyll spikes appears to be related to the presence of mixed Rossby-gravity waves, also known as Yanai waves, which can be seen throughout the time-series as a biweekly periodicity in the meridional velocities with upward phase propagation. Consistent with hypothesis 2, eastward flows over the Chagos–Lacadive Ridge generate high chlorophyll concentrations to the north of the equator and periodic southward advection in the meridional flows associated with Yanai waves produces the chlorophyll spikes that are observed in the mooring record. Yanai waves may also contribute to vertical shear across the base of the mixed layer that could help support entrainment. The OFAM3 eddy-resolving model suggests that both of our proposed mechanisms may be important. Climatological satellite chlorophyll data show that the elevated chlorophyll concentrations in this region are consistently observed year after year and so are reflective of recurring large-scale wind and circulation-induced productivity enhancement in the central equatorial Indian Ocean.