Using Field Measurement and Satellite Image Processing to Study the Effects of Ashobaa Storm on Ocean Currents Pattern in Makran Region

Ocean currents are generated by earth’s rotation and gravity, winds, ocean floor topography and density differences in water masses caused by salinity and temperature variations. These currents move through the ocean and control the oceanic climate. Currents in Makran region are affected by Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean. Reviewing available literature indicates that surface ocean currents in the region are extremely affected by winds and density differences especially during monsoon winds and tropical storms in Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean. Due to importance of ocean currents in Makran coastal region, the generation and impacts of Tropical Cyclone Ashobaa on the Makrancoastal region was studied in the present study. The study was performed based on three sources of data including field measurement data, satellite data and Hybrid Coordinate Ocean Model (HYCOM) results. Field data analysis showed that sea surface temperature and current speeds were both increased during Tropical Cyclone Ashobaa occurrence, while satellite images processing indicated that water surface temperature get colder at the same time. Investigation of HYCOM model results clarified that while the storm was occurred, warm water flowing was moving through Indian and Pakistan coasts and finally, Makran coastal region was affected by the warm water.

Keywords:

Makran region , Ocean currents , Ashobaa tropical cyclone , Field measurement data , Satellite image processing