Seasonal variation in eddy activity and associated heat/salt transport in the Bay of Bengal based on satellite, Argo, and 3D reprocessed data

Abstract. Based on satellite altimetry data spanning over 26 years in combination with Argo profile or three-dimensional (3D) reprocessed thermohaline fields, the eddy synthesis method was used to construct vertical temperature and salinity structures of eddies Bay Bengal, seasonal properties heat salt transport by were analyzed. Analysis revealed that mesoscale activities Bengal have evident variation. Temperature anomalies caused are usually between ±1 ±3 ∘C (positive for anticyclonic (AEs) negative cyclonic (CEs)), magnitude varies seasonally. Salinity small disturbance signals southern bay due gradient there; northern generally ±0.2 ±0.3 psu, AEs positive CEs. Owing changes both activity structure eddy-induced different seasons also substantially. Generally, high is concentrated eddy-rich regions, e.g., western, northwestern, eastern parts bay, seas east Sri Lanka, region southeast outside bay. The part shows weak owing inconsistent signal within eddies. result divergence illustrates 10–20 W m−2 value flux comparable annual mean air–sea net Bengal. Compared large-scale freshwater at surface, heat/freshwater can contribute substantially regional basin-scale variability. This work provides could support further research balance entire