The Indian Ocean is a wealth of fisheries and mineral resources. It also plays a direct role in driving the climates of its surrounding regions – home to more than 16 percent of the world’s population.
CSIRO said the new “Bio Argo” floats, to be launched in mid-2014, will enhance the already successful Argo float technology. Argo floats are a network of 3,600 free-floating sensors, operating in open ocean areas that provide real-time data on ocean temperature and salinity.
The “Bio Argo” floats will include additional sensors for dissolved oxygen, nitrate, chlorophyll, dissolved organic matter, and particle scattering.
CSIRO’s Nick Hardman-Mountford said the pilot project, led by CSIRO in collaboration with the Indian National Institute of Oceanography (CSIR-NIO) and the Indian National Center for Ocean Information Services, will “improve our understanding of cause and effect in the Indian Ocean’s climate and ecosystems”.
“By studying the Indian Ocean in this detail, we can investigate the origin and impact of marine heatwaves like the one that devastated the coral reefs and fisheries off north Western Australian in 2011 – and improve our prediction of them in the future,” Hardman-Mountford said.
Image credit: United States – CIA, hosted at Wikipedia
Gardening is often thought of as just a way to beautify outdoor spaces. But can it affect more than the plants around you? Many people…
Sustainability in business-to-business (B2B) branding is no longer just about optics or surface-level commitments. Today’s buyers demand accountability, long-term thinking, and values-driven operations from their…
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) has gained considerable attention worldwide as a comprehensive, ecologically balanced approach to controlling insects, weeds, and diseases. Farmers, horticulturalists, and even…
Did you know that cinnamon comes from the inner bark of a tree? Yep! When it’s first harvested, it’s a light color, but as it…
Regenerative agriculture is an approach to farming that focuses on restoring soil health, enhancing biodiversity, and improving ecosystem functions. Unlike conventional farming, which often depletes…
Natural coral reefs and underwater habitats have been damaged by pollution, overfishing, and climate change. To help restore marine life, people create artificial reefs using…