With reference to Ocean Mean Temperature (OMT), which of the following statements is/are correct?
- OMT is measured up to a depth of 26°C isotherm which is 129 meters in the south-western Indian Ocean during January-March.
- OMT collected during January-March can be used in assessing whether the amount of rainfall in monsoon will be less or more than a certain long-term mean.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 2 — 2 only
Ocean Mean Temperature (OMT) is measured up to the depth of the 26°C isotherm and serves as a reliable indicator of upper ocean heat content for monsoon prediction. Statement 1 is incorrect because the depth of the 26°C isotherm in the south-western Indian Ocean during January-March is approximately 59 meters, not 129 meters. Statement 2 is correct as OMT data collected during January-March can indeed be used to assess whether Indian Summer Monsoon Rainfall (ISMR) will be above or below the long-term mean.
❌ Statement 1 – Incorrect: The depth of 26°C isotherm is approximately 59 meters in the south-western Indian Ocean during January-March, not 129 meters.
✅ Statement 2 – Correct: OMT collected during January-March is used to predict whether ISMR will be above or below the long-term mean, making it a valuable forecasting tool.
📝 Short Notes: Ocean Mean Temperature (OMT)
- Definition: OMT is the average temperature of the ocean water column from the surface down to the depth of the 26°C isotherm (D26).
- Significance: OMT is a more stable and reliable indicator of upper ocean heat content compared to Sea Surface Temperature (SST) alone.
- Monsoon Prediction: Research by Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) shows that OMT data from January-March in the south-western Indian Ocean can predict Indian Summer Monsoon Rainfall with greater accuracy.
- Depth Measurement: The 26°C isotherm depth varies spatially and temporally; in the south-western Indian Ocean during January-March, it is approximately 59 meters.
- Advantage over SST: Unlike SST which can fluctuate rapidly due to surface processes, OMT represents the integrated heat content of the upper ocean layer.
- Predictive Value: Higher OMT values generally indicate favorable conditions for above-normal monsoon rainfall over India.
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