INCOIS Scientists Study showed that realistic representation of bathymetry led to improved surface current simulations

Posted 27 Apr 2024

2 min read

Bathymetry is a technique dedicated to mapping the depths of water bodies (rivers, seas and oceans).
- Additionally, it also includes identifying underwater relief (seamounts, mountain ranges, valleys, etc) and creating three-dimensional maps of sea floor.

Bathymetry impacts ocean circulation in several ways:
- Currents are modified near the coast, and even relatively small ridges on the sea floor can influence the direction of major ocean currents.
- In deep ocean, ridges serve as solid barriers separating bottom waters in adjacent ocean basins.

Key findings
- East India Coastal Current (EICC): At 1,000 metres and 2,000 metres depth, EICC flows opposite to that of the surface.
  - EICC is a seasonal ocean current in the Bay of Bengal. During the summer monsoon, EICC flows poleward, and during winter it flows equatorward.
- Equatorial Under Current (EUC): Presence of the Maldives Islands is responsible for the westward extent of EUC.
  - EUC is a subsurface ocean current that flows eastward along the equatorial region.
- Current along Along Andaman and Nicobar Islands (ANIs): Boundary current along the coast of ANIs was found at a depth of 2,000 metres.
- Salinity and temperature: Salinity and temperature of the upper ocean are very close to the observed value near the coast.

Genesis: It was established as an autonomous body in 1999 under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES).
About
- It is a unit of the Earth System Science Organisation (ESSO)
- It is the permanent member of the Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO
- It is also a founding member of the Indian Ocean Global Ocean Observing System (IOGOOS) and the Partnership for Observing the Oceans (POGO).
Key functions:
- Mandated to provide the best possible ocean information and advisory services to society, industry, government agencies.
- Provides warnings on tsunamis, storm surges, high waves, etc. through the Indian Tsunami Early Warning Centre (ITEWC).

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