Explain why are Tropical cyclones in the Arabian Sea increasing?
Indian subcontinent lies in the northern Indian Ocean region in the latitude that is suitable for formation of cyclonic storm. Historically we have seen that Bay of Bengal produces more cyclone than Arabian Sea due to variety of factors, which is now changing.
Bay of Bengal produces more cyclones, because
- Addition of freshwater
Bay of Bengal sees discharge of large rivers such as Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Irrawaddy. This adds freshwater to the sea, which is required to maintain higher temperatures.
- Proximity to Pacific Ocean
Pacific Ocean is considered the cradle of cyclones. Remnants of these storms sometimes enter Bay of Bengal region and gets intensified.
- Shifting of ITCZ
During the monsoon withdrawal months, the ITCZ shifts towards Bay of Bengal, creating a wind convergence zone that fuels cyclones.
Role of climate change in increasing vulnerability of Arabian Sea
- Increase in surface temperatures
The surface temperature of Arabian Sea has been witnessing steady rise over the years. This is the main reason the area has become susceptible to formation of cyclones.
- Moisture holding capacity
The global warming has increased moisture holding capacity of atmosphere. This moisture system allows the cyclone to grow stronger.
- Water discharge
The discharge of freshwater into Arabian Sea has increased as more glacial ice is melting in Himalayas. In addition, the peninsular rivers flowing west have also seen their water level increase.
Thus, climate change is the main reason Arabian Sea is turning out to be the hotbed of cyclonic system. In future, severe cyclonic storms in Arabian Sea will be the norm.
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