Cyclone Activity Significantly Declined in Indian Ocean, Study Shows

A recent study discovered that cyclone activity in the Indian Ocean significantly declined due to increased vertical wind shear and weakened low-level vorticity.

Studying the developments of cyclones would help researchers and countries anticipate the impacts better. With advanced technology, meteorologists can effectively monitor and predict potential cyclones.

The World Meteorological Organization explained that tropical cyclones could cause life-threatening damage to infrastructure.

Cyclones can likely strengthen in tropical oceans.

Tropical cyclones could rapidly intensify, causing possible storm surges, strong winds, tornadoes and heavy rainfall.

Cyclone activity in the Indian Ocean

According to research published in Nature Communications, international researchers discovered the decline of cyclones in the Indian Ocean.

The report highlighted that the winds in the regions could likely influence the development of cyclones.

Researchers conducted the study to understand the cyclones in the Indian Ocean better. It is reportedly inspired by the devastating Cyclone Okchi (2017). The intense cyclone left widespread damage in India and Sri Lanka, causing 884 people casualties.

Research showed that a significant decline of 43% in terms of low-latitude formations was discovered in the region (1981 - 2010).

The reasons for the decline are due to the following:

• Increased vertical wind shear
• Weakening low-level vorticity of PDO

PDO (Pacific Decadal Oscillation) refers to the sea surface fluctuation located in the Pacific Ocean. The temperatures in PDO play a crucial role in cyclone activity.

As warming events continue, strengthening a possible cyclone could be favorable, likely increasing cyclones in the coming decades.

According to Associate Professor Pallav Ray, the research could inspire further studies. Ray is also from Florida Tech.

Professor Ray explained that the cyclone activity declined in the equator; however, they discovered an increase away from the Indian Ocean.

Other researchers are from the following:

• New York University Abu Dhabi
• Abu Dhabi Polytechnic
• University of California
• McGill University
• India Meteorological Department
• Ministry of Earth Sciences in India
• Cochin University of Science and Technology
• Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

More facts about the Indian Ocean

The Indian Ocean is rich in marine biodiversity, serving as a significant home to many rare aquatic animals.

However, pollution, climate change, global warming and habitat loss can pose a serious threat.

It is also an essential route for ocean wildlife of whales, helping them to repopulate. At least 30% of global coral reefs are in the Indian Ocean, helping people and communities with job security.

Being a big ocean, it plays a vital role in mitigating the impacts of climate change, absorbing about 80% of heat. Without the Indian Ocean, global warming could likely worsen.

Furthermore, experts raised concerns about the overfishing in the Indian Ocean. It could cause the potential decline of fish in the area, especially the yellowfin tuna.

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