How does the Somali Current change during the summer and winter monsoons?

The Somali Current is a surface current in the western Indian Ocean that undergoes a dramatic seasonal reversal driven by the monsoon winds.12

Summer Monsoon

During the northern summer months, the southwest monsoon winds blow along the coast of East Africa. These winds drive the Somali Current to flow northeastward for approximately 950 miles (1,500 km), with surface velocities reaching up to 9 miles (14 km) per hour. In this season, the current becomes a major western boundary current that forms part of a clockwise circulation system, eventually turning eastward to merge with the Monsoon Current. This period is also characterized by pronounced upwelling of deeper, cooler waters along the Somali and Arabian coasts.12

Winter Monsoon

As the monsoon winds reverse to the northeast in September, the Somali Current begins to weaken. During the winter months (November–March), the current disappears entirely and is replaced by a slow southwestward drift.12