Source: DH
Subject: Mapping
Context: Unusual boiling or bubbling of seawater has been reported in the Arabian Sea off the Gujarat coast, raising concerns among fishermen and authorities.
About Arabian Sea:
What it is?
- The Arabian Sea is a northwestern arm of the Indian Ocean, forming a crucial maritime space linking Europe, West Asia, Africa, and South Asia, and serving as one of the world’s busiest sea routes.
Bordering nations:
- India, Pakistan, Iran, Oman, Yemen, and Somalia.
- Connected to the Persian Gulf via the Strait of Hormuz and to the Red Sea via the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait.
Key geological features:
- Formed ~50 million years ago due to the collision of the Indian Plate with Eurasia.
- Dominated by deep basins: Arabian Basin and Somali Basin.
- Presence of Carlsberg Ridge and Murray Ridge – seismically active submarine ridges.
- Upwelling zones along Somali and Arabian coasts during the southwest monsoon.
Issue of the ‘boiling’ phenomenon:
- Characterised by intense churning and bubbling of seawater, resembling surface boiling
- Possible causes under examination:
- Natural methane or gas seepage from seabed.
- Underwater tectonic or volcanic activity along submarine ridges.
- Industrial causes, such as leakage from undersea pipelines or shipping-related disturbances.
- Risks involved:
- Threat to fishing activity and maritime navigation.
- Potential indicator of geological instability or industrial accidents.
