01-05 December 2025
INCOIS, Hyderabad, India.
| Abstract Submission No. | ABS-05-0130 |
| Title of Abstract | Unravelling the Role of Tropical Cyclone and Marine Heatwave on a Jellyfish Beaching Event in the Bay of Bengal |
| Authors | Amit Kumar Jena*, Manasa Ranjan Behera, Srineash V.K., Suchismita Srichandan, Sanjiba Kumar Baliarsingh, Sachiko Mohanty, Alakes Samanta |
| Organisation | Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai |
| Address | IIT Area, Powai Mumbai, Maharashtra, India Pincode: 400076 E-mail: amitkumarjena@iitb.ac.in |
| Country | India |
| Presentation | Oral |
| Abstract | The escalating impacts of global warming and climate change pose significant threats to the stability of marine ecosystems. This study investigates a large-scale jellyfish stranding event that occurred along the northwestern Bay of Bengal, specifically at Puri, a recognized Blue Flag beach. The stranded species was taxonomically identified as Netrostoma spp. The event followed the landfall of Extremely Severe Cyclonic Storm Mocha in May 2023. Using met-oceanic multi-parameter analysis, this study investigates the combined influence of extreme events, specifically a marine heatwave (MHW) and Tropical Cyclone Mocha, on the aggregation and transport of jellyfish. The occurrence of a persistent MHW during the month leading up to the stranding likely created favourable thermal conditions that supported rapid jellyfish growth and population expansion in the region. Concurrently, sustained mesoscale ocean features, including cyclonic and anticyclonic eddies, are found to have contributed to biological productivity and nutrient enrichment near thermal fronts, further supporting jellyfish proliferation. During the cyclone⿿s approach and landfall, strong cross-shore wind and current-induced divergence led to significant surface water transport toward the coastline, effectively driving the jellyfish stranding toward the beach. This event highlights the interconnected influence of ocean warming and extreme weather on marine ecological disruptions. By examining the physical-biological linkages underpinning this stranding, the study underscores the growing ecological consequences of compound events like MHWs and tropical cyclones in a warming climate, offering important implications for coastal ecosystem monitoring and marine hazard preparedness. |
| Are you part of IIOE-2 endorsed project | no |
| Keywords | Tropical cyclone; Marine Heatwave; Jellyfish; Mesoscale eddies; Bay of Bengal |
| For Awards | yes |
| Date Of Birth | 22-05-1997 |
| ECSN Registration Number | IIOE2-ECSN-0220 |