news details |
|
|
| From Space to Sea: ISRO Detects El Niño’s Impact on the Indian Ocean | | | The ocean plays a vital role in regulating Earth’s climate, weather and ecosystems. A recent observation by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has once again shown how satellite technology can help scientists understand major changes taking place in the oceans.
ISRO’s EOS-06, also known as Oceansat-3, has detected changes associated with the developing El Niño phenomenon. Satellite observations have revealed changes in ocean productivity and surface winds in the equatorial Pacific, the region where El Niño develops. These changes are important because El Niño can influence weather and climate patterns far beyond the Pacific, including the Indian Ocean region and the Indian monsoon.
El Niño is a periodic warming of the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. This warming changes atmospheric circulation and wind patterns and can influence rainfall across different parts of the world. For India, El Niño is particularly important because it can affect the summer monsoon, although its impact varies from one event to another.
One of the interesting indicators observed by ISRO is chlorophyll-a, which is associated with phytoplankton—the microscopic organisms that form the foundation of marine food chains. Satellite observations during the developing El Niño have shown a reduction in surface chlorophyll-a in parts of the equatorial Pacific. This is linked to changes in ocean circulation and reduced upwelling of nutrient-rich water.
Surface winds are also important. During El Niño, normal wind patterns in the equatorial Pacific can weaken or reverse. This affects the movement of ocean water and the availability of nutrients near the surface. Consequently, marine productivity can change, potentially affecting fish and other organisms that depend on phytoplankton.
Although the primary satellite observations are from the Pacific Ocean, their importance extends to the Indian Ocean because Earth’s oceans and atmosphere are interconnected. Changes in one major oceanic region can influence atmospheric circulation and rainfall patterns elsewhere.
For India, such observations are valuable for understanding possible changes in monsoon behaviour, fisheries and marine ecosystems. They can also contribute to better climate forecasting and preparedness.
The importance of Oceansat-3 lies in its ability to observe enormous areas of the ocean from space. Instead of relying only on observations from ships and instruments at individual locations, satellites provide a broader picture of changing ocean conditions.
This is a significant achievement for Indian space science. ISRO’s satellite observations demonstrate how space technology can contribute directly to environmental understanding and climate research.
The changing ocean is a reminder that events occurring thousands of kilometres away can influence life, agriculture and livelihoods in India. Continuous satellite monitoring can help scientists detect these changes early and improve our ability to prepare for their consequences.
From space to sea, ISRO’s observations are helping us understand the invisible connections that shape our climate—and reminding us that protecting our oceans is essential for protecting our future.
Dr Vijay Garg Retired Principal Eminent Scientist street kour Chand MHR Malout Punjab -152107 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
| |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
