Surface ocean-lower atmospheric processes in the Indian Ocean: Current understanding, knowledge gaps, and future directions

 

Our understanding of surface ocean and lower atmosphere processes in the Indian Ocean (IO) region shows significant knowledge gaps mainly due to the paucity of observational studies. The IO basin is bordered by landmasses on three sides with significant fraction of the global population dwelling along these coastal regions. The IO is one of the SOLAS cross-cutting themes as summarised in its implementation strategy. This paper attempts to compile new scientific results over the past decade focusing on SOLAS relevant processes within the IO. Key findings with respect to monsoon and air-sea interactions, oxygen minimum zone, ocean biogeochemistry, atmospheric composition and interactions between these components are highlighted along with relevant knowledge gaps which may help the development of future IO research programmes.

This paper is collected in the SOLAS Special Feature "Boundary Shift: The Air-Sea Interface in a Changing Climate".

Reference: Kumar, A., Susann, T., Fernandes, S.O., et al. (2024). Surface ocean-lower atmospheric processes in the Indian Ocean: Current understanding, knowledge gaps, and future directions. Elem. Sci. Anth.,  12(1): 00041. https://doi.org/10.1525/elementa.2023.00041