The West India Coastal Current (WICC) flows southward (northward) during summer (winter). We examine the nature of circulation in the region of WICC during an inter-monsoon period using hydrographic data collected during March 6–21, 1994, and archived 1994 daily altimeter data. The hydrographic data did not show any organized northward or southward Cow, implying that the amplitudes of the Rossby and Kelvin waves that make the WICC were negligible. Instead, cyclonic and anticyclonic eddies, well recorded in altimeter data, dominated the circulation. Because eddies occur throughout the year, our analysis highlights the need to study their role in WICC all through the year.

We present current data from an acoustic Doppler current profiler (ADCP) moored on the continental shelf-break in the Gulf of Mannar (GoM) near Ram Setu during 2010–2011. The observations show that the near-surface, sub-inertial current flows primarily north-westward all round the year. This northwestward flow is punctuated by intraseasonal bursts that last a few weeks. Compared to the current off Kanyakumari, the intraseasonal fluctuations in the GoM are weaker and in the opposite direction. The flip in direction is linked to eddy-like circulations, which cause the current to bifurcate or merge in the region between Kanyakumari and Ram Setu.

$\bf{Highlights}$

$\bullet$ Ocean current data collected in Gulf of Mannar.

$\bullet$ Near-surface current is north-westward over most part of the year.

$\bullet$ Current shows intraseasonal variability.

$\bullet$ Intraseasonal variability in the Gulf of Mannar current is weaker and in opposite direction compared to off Kanyakumari current.

$\bullet$ The opposite direction of Gulf of Mannar and off Kanyakumari currents is linked to local changes in the sea level.