Context:
Scientists at the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) have recently undertaken a study aimed at mapping the Indian Ocean floor. This endeavor seeks to gain deeper insights into ocean currents and dynamics.
Relevance:
Facts for Prelims
Key Highlights of the Study:
Influence of Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Maldives:
- Significantly influence direction and speed of Indian Ocean currents.
- Create deep-swirling patterns opposite to surface currents.
Improvements in Ocean Modelling:
- Previous systems underestimated coastal currents around India.
Incorporating accurate bathymetry data resulted in:
- Better predictions of upper ocean salinity, temperature, and currents near the coast.
- Realistic estimation of the East India Coastal Current (EICC) flow at deeper depths (1,000 and 2,000 meters).
East India Coastal Current (EICC):
- Western boundary current of the Bay of Bengal.
- Reverses direction twice a year.
- Flows northeastward along the Indian coast from February to September.
- Reverses southward along Indian and Sri Lankan coasts from October to January.
Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Maldives Impact:
- Identification of a boundary current along the Andaman and Nicobar Islands coast at 2,000 meters depth.
- Understanding Maldives Islands’ influence on the Equatorial Under Current (EUC).
Importance of Accurate Oceanographic Forecasting:
- Vital for the maritime industry and economic benefits.
- Crucial for weather, climate, and maritime industry.
- Improved observations and models essential for precision predictions.
Need for Accurate Bathymetry Data:
- Essential for incorporating into ocean circulation models.
- Aids in forecasting for the Indian subcontinent and nearby regions.
-Source: Indian Express
