Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services

Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services

Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services

• • Under the Union Ministry of Earth Sciences, there is a government organization called the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS). 
  • Its objectives are to increase knowledge of the Indian Ocean through research and observations.
  • It was founded in 1998 to offer oceanographic information and advisory services. 
  • It provides a range of services, such as forecasts of ocean conditions, early warnings for tsunamis, and advisories regarding possible fishing zones. 
  • By using information on sea surface temperature and chlorophyll content, it helps fishermen find areas where fish are concentrated. 
  • It keeps an eye on sea levels and seismic activity to deliver timely tsunami warnings.
  • In order to better understand ocean currents and their effects on weather and climate prediction, scientists at the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) are mapping the floor of the Indian Ocean (bathymetry). 

Details

• • The research that was published in Scientific Reports emphasizes how important bathymetry is to improving our knowledge of the circulation in the Indian Ocean. 
  • Through mapping the ocean floor and investigating the ways in which underwater topography affects currents, the research makes significant contributions to the fields of oceanography, weather forecasting, and climate science. 
  • The measurement of ocean depths and the study of underwater topography are referred to as bathymetry.
  • Because the shape of the seabed affects ocean currents, water temperature, salinity distribution, and other important parameters, it is essential to understanding ocean dynamics.
    

Key Findings of the Study

• • According to the study, islands like the Maldives, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and others have a big impact on the currents in the Indian Ocean.
  •  Particularly at lower depths, these islands have the power to change the direction and speed of ocean currents. 
  • The coastal currents surrounding India were understated by earlier ocean modeling systems.
  • The study found that the accuracy of ocean models was significantly improved, especially in areas close to the coast, by incorporating detailed bathymetric data.
  • The East India Coastal Current (EICC), which flows at depths of 1,000 and 2,000 meters and exhibits a different direction than surface currents, was identified by the study. 
  • This demonstrates how intricately bathymetric features affect ocean circulation patterns. 
  • At a depth of 2,000 meters, a boundary current was seen around the coast of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. 
  • Ocean currents that are shaped by the underwater topography and the coastline are known as boundary currents. 
  • It was discovered that the Equatorial UnderCurrent (EUC), a prominent ocean current in the Equatorial Indian Ocean, is influenced by the Maldives Islands in its westward extent.
  • Seasonal differences in depth and core location are evident in the Equatorial UnderCurrent (EUC). 
  • This suggests that seasonal factors can cause ocean currents to fluctuate and become more dynamic. 

Implications and Significance

• • Oceans are essential for predicting weather and climate.
  • Improving weather and climate models requires accurate forecasting of oceanographic parameters like currents, temperature, and salinity. 
  • The study emphasizes the necessity of bettering ocean models and ocean observations.
  •  More accurate predictions of ocean behavior can result from a deeper comprehension of ocean dynamics through bathymetry.
  • Ocean general circulation models (OGCMs), which replicate ocean currents and circulation patterns, depend on bathymetry data. 
  • With the addition of comprehensive bathymetric data, OGCMs can more accurately depict the dynamics of the ocean in real life. 
  • Forecasting ocean conditions more accurately may result from an understanding of how bathymetry affects ocean circulation. 
  • This is important for a number of industries, including fisheries, coastal management, and the maritime sector. 

SAMUDRA App

• • SAMUDRA is a new mobile application that the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) has released for fishermen and seafarers.

About SAMUDRA App:

• • The SAMUDRA app, which stands for Smart Access to Marine Users for Ocean Data Resources and Advisories, provides extensive data on all services related to the ocean. 
  • With this state-of-the-art tool, users can confidently navigate the marine domain and conduct profitable fishing operations while maintaining their safety.
  • In providing ocean data, information, and advisory services to the country, it embodies the institute’s vision and mission. 
  • It will spur environmentally friendly maritime endeavors, opening up new opportunities for the Blue Economy. 
  • It gives users access to vital information in real time about oceanic disasters, including high waves, storm surges, tsunamis, and swell surges, enabling people and communities to stay informed and take the appropriate safety measures to protect people and property.
  • The fishing community will particularly benefit from it since it will spread Potential Fishing Zone (PFZ) advisories, which will direct them to likely fish aggregation sites.
  • Although it is currently only available in English, eight coastal languages are soon to be added.