Vertical distribution of temperature, salinity andDissolved oxygen in the Maldives region ofThe Indian ocean

The hydrographical features existing in the region from I ' S to 8° N between the meridians of 71° E and 80° E during September—October 1962 are presented and discussed. A well - developed thermocline is observed in the investigational area and an upslope towards north is noticed in the eastern regions. Below 500 m depth the distribution of temperature in all the sections are similar. A salinity maximum is observed in the northern part of all the sections at the top of the thermocline and towards the equator this maximum is not at all conspicuous, and the water masses have more or less uniform salinity throughout the vertical. Dissolved oxygen distribution in the vertical showed good comparison to the observations already made in the Laccadive region. Occurrence of oxygen deficit layer between 30J and 1250 m is observed with increase in oxygen content from 1250 m downwards, and values as high as 3.5 ml/1 were observed at 3000 m depth.