A team of researchers led by Mohsin Shaikh has discovered that surface currents in the Bay of Bengal flow left of the winds, contradicting a century-old principle established by Vagn Walfrid Ekman. The finding, made using long-term buoy data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), highlights the unique influence of geography on ocean behavior in this vital region.
The Bay of Bengal plays a crucial role in monsoons and marine life, making accurate data essential for predicting weather patterns, climate change, fisheries, and disaster responses. One-third of the world relies on monsoons for agricultural production, emphasizing the importance of reliable forecasting.
Collaboration between NOAA, India, and other global institutions has enabled the researchers to decipher the mysterious flows. The discovery sets the stage for improved predictions and management of monsoons and marine ecosystems worldwide, with implications for NASA’s upcoming satellite mission studying high-resolution surface winds and currents.
Source: https://www.businesstoday.in/visualstories/news/a-surprise-in-bay-of-bengal-study-finds-its-currents-defy-100-year-ocean-science-191147-02-12-2024