Structure and variability of the Leeuwin Current in the south eastern Indian Ocean

The present study analyses the structure and variability of the Leeuwin Current in the south Indian Ocean. Besides the historic hydrographic dataset various observations made during WOCE, TOGA and other experiments conducted in the study region are employed. The long-term average bimonthly dynamic topography with reference to 400db is prepared to infer the spatial and temporal current pattern. In addition to the temperature-salinity profiles, the temperature profiles are also included in the estimation of dynamic height employing the correlation between heat content and dynamic height. Sections of hydrographic properties are also present at different latitudes of the Leeuwin Current region. Intra-annual variability of the Leeuwin Current is clearly illustrated in the bimonthly maps. The Leeuwin Current shows strong spatial and temporal variations. It is strong in southern winter and weak during summer. The current is board and shallow in the north but becomes narrower and deeper in the south.