A study on energetics in the Bay of Bengal using modular ocean model

Abstract

ABSTRACT The energetics in the Bay of Bengal (BoB) region is influenced by primary and secondary mesoscale ocean processes, such as boundary currents, gyres, and eddies. Using the turbulent kinetic energy budget equation, the fluxes and their role in BoB dynamics are studied. A regional domain with a horizontal resolution of 0.1 is considered in the Indian Ocean, which includes the BoB region. The analysis of flow energetics reveals differences in eddy kinetic energy (K), shear production flux (P), buoyancy flux (B), and viscous dissipation (ε) terms. Our results reveal the presence of an inverse energy-cascade mechanism in the southern Bay of Bengal, wherein energy flows back into mean flow structures from the turbulent eddies. Further analysis shows that buoyancy flux, B, is the major source of turbulence production in the north and central BoB regions. These results define the mechanisms by which energy is produced and transferred in different regions in the Bay of Bengal.