Source: FPJ
Context: The IMD has forecast a low-pressure system forming over the east-central Arabian Sea, likely to intensify into a depression in the next 36 hours.
About Arabian Sea:
- Location: The Arabian Sea is a northwestern extension of the Indian Ocean, bordered by India to the east and the Arabian Peninsula to the west.
- Neighbouring Nations:
- Coastal countries: India, Pakistan, Iran, Oman, Yemen, and Somalia.
- Key maritime links: Gulf of Oman (to Persian Gulf) and Gulf of Aden (to Red Sea).
- Indian Coastal States: Indian states bordering the Arabian Sea include: Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, and Lakshadweep UT.
- Geographical Features:
- Depth: Average depth ~2,734 m and max depth at Wheatley Deep ~5,803 m
- Major Submarine Features:
- Carlsberg Ridge (seismic, mid-ocean ridge)
- Murray Ridge, Somali and Arabian Basins
- Indus submarine canyon and abyssal cone
- Key Islands:
- Socotra (Yemen), Kuria Muria Islands (Oman), Lakshadweep (India)
- Role in Monsoon:
- Monsoon Influence:
- Southwest monsoon winds (April–November) gather moisture from the Arabian Sea, triggering heavy rains in India.
- Upwelling near the Somali and Arabian coasts aids in nutrient cycling and monsoon onset.
- Ocean Currents:
- Hosts the Somali Current, one of the fastest ocean currents (~13 km/hr), seasonally reversing with monsoons.
- Drives clockwise circulation during summer and weakens during winter monsoon.
- Sediments & Marine Geology:
- High sedimentation from the Indus River.
- Known for ferromanganese nodules, hydrogen sulfide zones, and polymetallic sulfides.
- Monsoon Influence:
