01-05 December 2025
INCOIS, Hyderabad, India.
| Abstract Submission No. | ABS-06-0224 |
| Title of Abstract | Understanding Particulate Organic Carbon Variability in the Arabian Sea Using Satellite and In-situ Observations |
| Authors | Shahimol S R*, Rupam Kalita, Aneesh A Lotliker |
| Organisation | Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies |
| Address | THAZHE VEEDU VAKKALA PALAKKAD, Kerala, India Pincode: 678684 E-mail: shahimolsr@gmail.com |
| Country | India |
| Presentation | Oral |
| Abstract | Particulate Organic Carbon (POC) plays a crucial role in the ocean's carbon cycle by acting as a key mechanism for the long-term sequestration of atmospheric CO2, thus influencing global carbon storage and mitigating climate change. The distribution and dynamics of POC in the ocean are vital for understanding carbon fluxes and ecosystem health. This study investigates the spatial and temporal variability of POC in the Arabian Sea by integrating in-situ data from bio-Argo floats and satellite-derived data from MODIS-Aqua. The bio-Argo data, covering the period from 2015 to 2023, provided detailed measurements of POC concentration, derived from backscattering, and were compared with satellite-derived estimates, revealing a strong linear correlation (R² = 0.79). The spatial distribution of POC showed significant seasonal variability, with elevated concentrations along the coastlines of Somalia and Kochi during the southwest monsoon (June-September) due to upwelling-induced nutrient influx, which enhanced primary productivity. Conversely, peak POC concentrations were observed in the northern Arabian Sea during the northeast monsoon (February-March), driven by winter convective mixing. The POC:chl-a ratio revealed interesting seasonal trends, showing higher ratios in the open ocean during the southwest monsoon and lower ratios in the coastal waters, where phytoplankton concentrations were elevated due to nutrient enrichment from upwelling. Additionally, vertical profiling from bio-Argo floats identified a secondary POC concentration maximum between 200-400 meters, associated with low oxygen and nitrate levels, indicating active denitrification processes in the oxygen minimum zone (OMZ). The study highlights the value of combining satellite and in-situ data to provide high-resolution insights into the spatial and temporal dynamics of POC. |
| Are you part of IIOE-2 endorsed project | no |
| Keywords | Particulate Organic Carbon, Arabian Sea, bio-Argo, Satellite. |
| For Awards | yes |
| Date Of Birth | 19-01-1993 |
| ECSN Registration Number | IIOE2-ECSN-003 |