Surface Temperature and Salinity are Indicators of Upwelling In Response to the Southeast Moonson in the Waters of Northern Savu Sea

Savu Sea waters are part of Indonesia waters which is located directly adjacent to Indian Ocean. The northern part of Savu Sea particularly in the south of Flores Strait, Lamakera Strait and the Strait of Alor waters are dynamic with changes in temperature and salinity of the surface which is significant at southeast monsoon season. The dynamics of these waters, especially in the surface layer is strongly influenced by the monsoon wind patterns. In June-July, the monsoon winds blowing from southeast with maximum strength in parts of Indonesia, including in the waters of the northern Sea Savu. The wind causes the movement of surface water masses tend to move westward. These circumstances would to bring deeper and colder waters to the surface layer in the northern part of Savu Sea. Sea surface temperature in the Flores Sea ranged from 27.45 to 27.79°C with a mean 27.62 ± 0.14°C, whereas the observation stations located in the south and deal directly with the Savu Sea, water temperatures in the range 25.25 to 26.75°C with a mean 25.90 ± 0.43°C. In general, the temperature distribution on the surface layer of the ocean at a depth of 0-5 m to the south indicates that the mass of sea water gets colder. Central mass concentration of water with the lowest temperature in the southern Strait of Alor range from 25.25 to 25.89°C. The cold waters of the northern part of the Savu Sea water mass indicates the possibility upwelling of water mass in the Savu waters.