IIOSC - 2025

IIOSC - 2025

International Indian Ocean Science Conference - 2025

Celebrating 10 years of the Second International Indian Ocean Expedition

01-05 December 2025
INCOIS, Hyderabad, India.

Summary of Abstract Submission



Abstract Submission No.ABS-06-0198
Title of AbstractContrasting Productivity Regimes of the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal: Perspective from Depth-resolved CbPM Modeling
AuthorsRupam Kalita*, Dr. Aneesh A. Lotliker
OrganisationIndian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS)
AddressINCOIS
pragathi nagar, Telangana, India
Pincode: 500090
E-mail: rupamk0@gmail.com
CountryIndia
PresentationOral
AbstractUnderstanding the contrasting productivity regimes of the Arabian Sea (AS) and Bay of Bengal (BoB) is critical for improving biogeochemical modeling and carbon cycling estimates in the Northern Indian Ocean. In this study, the Carbon-based Productivity Model (CbPM) was implemented locally at 4 km spatial resolution, using satellite-derived chlorophyll and backscatter data along with high-resolution physical and biogeochemical inputs including HYCOM mixed layer depth (MLD), ROMS-Fennel nitracline depth, and MODIS ocean color products. Monthly Net Primary Productivity (NPP) from June 2023 to May 2024 was estimated by vertically integrating up to the euphotic depth (Zeu), providing a depth-resolved characterization of primary productivity drivers across seasons and regions. The results reveal distinct basin-scale differences in the mechanisms regulating NPP. The AS exhibited strong seasonal variability, with elevated productivity during the pre monsoon and post-monsoon months driven by coastal upwelling and convective mixing nutrient entrainment. In contrast, the BoB showed comparatively lower seasonal variations, but maintained moderate and consistent productivity, particularly during stratified periods. This sustained productivity in BoB is linked to a better vertical alignment of the chlorophyll layer, higher euphotic depth and nitracline depth than MLD, although stratification restricts deep mixing but retains phytoplankton in light-favorable conditions. These findings demonstrate that surface chlorophyll alone is insufficient to capture productivity variability, and that vertical coupling between light, nutrients, and biomass plays a dominant role. The depth-aware, high-resolution CbPM framework employed here provides a good representation of primary production and offers insight into regional responses of ocean productivity to seasonal forcing in the northern Indian Ocean.
Are you part of IIOE-2 endorsed projectno
KeywordsPrimary Productivity, northern indian ocean, biogeochemistry, CbPM
For Awardsyes
Date Of Birth25-03-1995
ECSN Registration NumberIIOE2-ECSN-0122