Abstract
The surface heat fluxes of the Gulf of Oman have been estimated using the bulk formulae. The average annual values of sensible, latent and net infrared radiation fluxes are -1, 100 and 64 W/m super(2), respectively. The annual mean of absorbed solar radiations is -219 W/m super(2), thus giving an annual heat surplus of 55 W/m super(2). In contrast, in the nearby area of the Arabian Gulf there is a yearly average of an upward flux at the sea surface, which is compensated by an advective heat flow of approximately 25 W/m super(2) through the strait of Hormuz. Some of the heat in the Gulf of Oman is transported into the Arabian Gulf and it is suggested that the remainder is exported by oceanic processes on a seasonal basis. The winter compensation of heat loss is probably achieved by a northward heat transport from the Arabian Sea, and during the southwest monsoon (summer) the upwelled cold water from the southern coast of Arabia appears to compensate the heat gain in the Gulf of Oman. However the manner in which these compensations are accomplished remains to be clarified.