Response of the ocean mixed layer, off the east coast of peninsular Malaysia, during the north-east and southwest Monsoons

Abstract

The behavior of the mixed layer, off Kuala Terengganu, during the north-east and south-west monsoons is addressed. Temperature and salinity profiles, for both seasons, are analyzed. The results are quite conclusive. In the mixed layer, temperature and salinity have different characteristics during each season, being lower during the north-east monsoon. The depth of the mixed layer is shallower during the south-west monsoon. Two distinctive water masses are detected during both seasons.

Se estudia la respuesta de la capa de mezcla del océano a la influencia de los monzones del Noreste y del Sudoeste, en la costa este de la península Malaya. Para ello se analizan los perfiles verticales de temperatura y salinidad en ambas estaciones monzónicas. Los resultados son concluyentes. Durante el Monzón del Noreste la temperatura y la salinidad de la capa de mezcla son menores y la profundidad de la capa mezcla es mayor que durante el Monzón del Sudoeste. Se distinguen dos masas de agua de distintas características durante las diferentes estaciones monzónicas.