Question

Stable isotopes and salinity in the surface waters of the bay of bengal: implications for water dynamics and palaeoclimate

Answer 1

Surface water mixing in the Bay of Bengal (BOB) inferred from spatio-temporal distribution of δ18O and salinity based on synthesis of 194 new samples together with published data is reported. In general, both δ18O and salinity have low values in northern part of the BOB, progressively increasing towards SW. The lowest values are observed during July–September (southwest monsoon season) and the highest in pre-monsoon. The most prominent δ18O–salinity relationship is seen for samples collected during June to October when the Himalayan river influx dominates. When this influx decreases in other seasons the δ18O–salinity relationship is poor.