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-08-0171
Title of AbstractAcceleration of Warming, Deoxygenation, and Acidification in the Arabian Gulf Driven by Weakening of Summer Winds
AuthorsZouhair Lachkar*, Michael Mehari, Francesco Paparella, John Burt
OrganisationMubadala ACCESS, New York University Abu Dhabi
Address31 Al Asdiqa Street
Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Pincode: 129188
E-mail: zouhair.lachkar@nyu.edu
CountryUnited Arab Emirates
PresentationOral
AbstractThe Arabian Gulf (AG) exports hypersaline, dense waters into the Sea of Oman (SOO), replaced by fresher inflowing surface waters from the Indian Ocean. We investigate the impact of recent AG warming on its exchange with the SOO and the implications this has on the AG biogeochemistry. Using an eddy-resolving hindcast model simulation, we analyze the hydrography and biogeochemistry of the AG and the SOO from 1980 to 2018. Our study reveals that changes in summer surface winds have accelerated AG warming and weakened it in the SOO, reducing the density gradient and water exchange between the two seas during late summer. This has led to nutrient buildup, increased productivity, and heightened deoxygenation and acidification in the AG. These findings underscore how subtle wind changes can exacerbate the vulnerability of marginal seas to climate change and stress the need to properly represent regional winds in global climate models.
Are you part of IIOE-2 endorsed projectno
KeywordsOcean Warming, Ocean Deoxygenation, Ocean Acidification
For Awardsno