Research Projects

Marine heatwaves (MHWs) are prolonged periods of ocean warming that deviate significantly from the long-term average conditions for a given location and time. In recent time, MHWs are reported higher intensity and frequency. The marine ecosystem and the air-sea interactions are largely modulated in the presence of the MHWs. However, these processes are poorly understood for the Bay of Bengal basin, which is well known for potential fishing zones, and an active domain for cyclone and monsoon depressions. In this project, the high-resolution satellite, and vertical profile of temperature and salinity from Argo and buoys will be utilized for the identification of the development and decay of the MHWs. The spatial and vertical extensions and their life span will be studied. Experiments with the Coastal and Regional Ocean COmmunity model (CROCO V1.3) will be used to simulate the MHWs events. A detailed investigation will be carried out of the development, sustainment, and decaying stages of MHWs. The warmer events impact the marine ecosystem, particularly the potential fishing zones (PFZ). The proposed study will assess the impacts of the MHWs on the changes in PFZs. The possible impact of the MHWs on the intensity of the monsoon depressions and cyclones in the Bay of Bengal will be studied. Overall, the proposed study will provide a better understanding of these events' underlying causes and impacts, and develop effective strategies for mitigating their impacts and promoting adaptation.