Climate change and biological productivity: Indian Ocean

Abstract

The Coastal Zone Color Scanner (CZCS, 1978-1986) and SeaWiFS (1997 – 2010) derived chlorophyll data were used to analyze decadal variability. Change in chlorophyll values over the two decades is examined in context of global reports of decline in chlorophyll over the period. The Reynolds Sea Surface Temperature (SST) data were analyzed for 30years (1978-2011). The Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal show increase in SST more in Arabian Sea (AS) than in Bay of Bengal (BOB). The relationship between chlorophyll and SST has been studied, which shows change in the pattern over a period of time, Arabian Sea shows a positive relationship between chlorophyll and SST during 1980’s while an inverse relationship is observed during 2000’s. Thus it is very important to understand the pattern of chlorophyll variability as well the interrelationship with SST over a long period to make out the impact of climate over the ocean biology.