• UGI USER
  • Apr 30, 2024
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STUDY PREDICTS ACCELERATING WARMING TREND IN THE INDIAN OCEAN

Why in the news?

Indian Ocean warming trends raise concerns; projected marine heatwaves and coral bleaching threaten marine ecosystems, per study.

source:TOI

About the Warming Trends in the Indian Ocean:

  • Indian Ocean temperature increased by 1.2°C from 1950 to 2020 and is projected to rise by 1.7 to 3.8°C by 2100.
  • Rise in marine heatwaves expected to increase from 20 days/year to 220-250 days/year, impacting cyclone formation.
  • Ocean heat content increased at 4.5 zetta-joules/decade, predicted to rise to 16-22 zetta-joules/decade.
  • Comparable to adding the energy of one Hiroshima bomb detonation per second, contributing to sea-level rise primarily through thermal expansion.
Key Features of the Indian Ocean:

  • The Indian Ocean is the third largest water body globally and known as the ‘sea of stability’.
  • Crucial for international trade, carrying one-third of bulk cargo traffic and two-thirds of oil shipments.
  • Rich in resources like oil, natural gas, and minerals.
  • Indo-Pacific’s strategic and economic importance is increasing, but India maintains historic ties with Indian Ocean countries.