Physical Oceanography of the Indian Ocean

Abstract

During the preparation of the Atlas on the physical oceanography of the Indian Ocean (WYRTKI, 1971) a comprehensive analysis of its oceanographic conditions had to be undertaken to construct meaningful maps, sections and diagrams, and to interpret the structure and circulation of this ocean, which is in so many ways different from the other oceans. On a large scale 3 distinct circulation systems can be delineated. These are: the seasonally changing monsoon gyre the south hemispheric subtropical anticyclonic gyre the Antarctic waters with the Circumpolar Current