Geopotential Topographies and Associated Circulation in the South-Eastern Indian Ocean

Abstract

Geopotential topographies of the surface and several subsurface depths are drawn from the observations on three cruises of H.M.A.S. Diamantina in the waters to the west and south of Australia in 1959 and 1960. The associated circulation is discussed. Surface circulation is found to be in general agreement with the observed surface currents. The subsurface flow between 300 and 1200 m depth indicates an entry of water from the south across 32º S. which turns to the west south of 20º S. Transports in certain current systems and eddies are calculated. The importance of internal waves in the south-west of the region, having amplitudes of more than 100 m, is discussed.