Question 15GS1GS1
"The tropical Indian Ocean is likely to be in a near-permanent heatwave state." Discuss the factors responsible for the rapid warming of the Indian Ocean along with its multi-dimensional impacts.
Introduction
'Indian Ocean warms up 20% more than the average ocean temperature leading to near-permanent heat wave state' - WMO.
19 words
Main Body
Factors responsible for rapid warming
1Surrounded by land: Indian Ocean is surrounded by Africa, India, South East Asia and Australia → higher temperature.
3Horizontal Extensive: Indian ocean is an horizontal extensive ocean leading to higher temperature → higher surface area under direct sun.
4Global Warming: rising carbon dioxide emission → green house effect.
5Extreme weather events: such as heatwaves due to climate change.
6Ocean Currents: not slow extremity → poor transfer of excess heat to other oceans.
Multi-Dimensional impacts
Geographical Impact
1Higher evaporation leading to increased precipitation.
2More cyclonic formation due to temperature >27°C → favorable for cyclones.
3Heat waves in the ocean.
4Impact on wind systems and monsoon.
Economic Impact
1Marine Heatwaves causing death of fisheries → poor productivity.
2Heat exposed coastal labour → more vulnerable.
3Higher costs of coastal based activities.
Social Impact
1Women → more vulnerable [Ex] Major labour of fishing industry.
2Biological: Death of corals, mangroves.
3Environmental: amplification to climate change
170 words4 paragraphs
Conclusion
Thus, necessary to invest into 'Blue-Green Infrastructure' to mitigate and adapt to marine heat waves.
15 words
Diagram
Map of Indian Ocean showing surrounding continents including Atlantic Ocean, Arabia Bay, Pakistan, Bay of Bengal, and Pacific Ocean
- Opens with WMO quote for authority
- Visual representation included
- Clear identification of surrounding landmasses
Topper
Gaurav Chopra
AIR 83
Subject & Paper
GS1GS1
Topic
Important Geophysical Phenomena
Ocean warming and climate change
Indian Ocean warming - causes and impacts
Writing Stats
204
Total words
4
Paragraphs
analytical
Tone