Indian ocean is increasingly getting Warmer

Source-This post on Indian ocean is increasingly getting Warmer is based on the article “Warming of Indian Ocean to accelerate: IITM study” published in “The Hindu” on 29th March 2024.

Why in the News?

As per the study, from 1950-2020, the Indian Ocean had become warmer by 1.2°C and climate models expect it to heat up a further 1.7°C–3.8°C from 2020–2100.

Findings of the study

Increase in the Overall heat content of the Indian Ocean: There has been elevation in the overall heat content of the Indian Ocean, as the heat penetrates beyond the surface and heats deeper layers. Currently, the heat content is rising at 4.5 zetta-joules per decade. The future projections suggest an increase in the heat content to 16–22 zetta-joules per decade.

Impact of the Increased Heating of the Indian Ocean

1. Rising sea levels: In the Indian Ocean, thermal expansion alone accounts for more than half of the sea-level rise. This surpasses the effects of glacier and sea-ice melting combined.

2. Disruption of Indian monsoon: Projections suggest a 66% rise in extreme dipole events which can lead to deficient Indian Monsoon.

3. Induce marine heatwaves- This heating of the Indian ocean can give rise to near-permanent marine heatwaves.

Marine Heatwaves

A marine heat wave is a coherent area of extreme warm sea surface temperature that persists for days to months. Marine heatwaves are caused by an increase in the heat content of oceans.

UPSC Syllabus: Environment, Geography