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ISRO’s Oceansat-3 reveals phytoplankton bloom that maintains marine ecosystem.
Background:
The satellite revealed the seasonal greening and browning of continents, alongside the dynamic movements of chlorophyll blooms in the oceans, from April to December 2023. Phytoplankton are microscopic, photosynthetic organisms that form the foundation of the marine food web. They play a crucial role in the Earth’s ecosystems as primary producers, converting sunlight into chemical energy through photosynthesis.
About OCEANSAT-3
- The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched Oceansat-3, also referred to as Earth Observing Satellite 6 (EOS-6), on November 26, 2022.
- It is part of India’s ocean observation program and is the third satellite in the Oceansat series.
- The satellite is designed to operate until 2027.
Oceansat-3 is equipped with multiple sensors to observe various parameters:
- Ocean Colour Monitor (OCM-3): Measures Ocean colour data, providing insights into phytoplankton distribution and other biological processes.
- Ku-band Scatterometer (SCAT-3): Provides high-resolution global ocean surface wind speed and direction information.
- Sea Surface Temperature Monitor (SSTM): Measures Sea surface temperature (SST) variations.
Oceansat-3’s data is crucial for:
- Oceanography: Studying ocean currents, upwelling zones, and marine ecosystems.
- Climatology: Monitoring climate patterns and changes.
- Meteorology: Enhancing cyclone prediction.
- Fisheries: Identifying potential fishing zones.
Continuity and Enhancement:
- Oceansat-3, in conjunction with Oceansat-2, improves the frequency of measurements: Ocean colour measurements are now available every 24 hours, Wind vector measurements are available every 12 hours.
Read also: Contributions made by Indians to Space Technology
