News
Unlocking past to navigate future: Exploring Indian Ocean’s rich history
Oceanographers and researchers are delving into the historical annals of the Indian Ocean, recognising its pivotal role in shaping the planet’s climate, particularly in the context of the warming world. The Indian Ocean’s influence on the Indian monsoon, a critical source of water and sustenance for millions, is now under intense scrutiny, said a news story published by the Scroll.in, an Indian news website belonging to the Scroll Media Incorporation.
Drawing from maritime expeditions of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly the German vessels SMS Gazelle, Valdivia, and SMS Planet, a treasure trove of over 500 temperature observations from surface to seabed depths has been unearthed. Jacob Wenegrat, a physical oceanographer, hails these expedition records as invaluable sources for comprehending ocean warming.
“These historical records offer a glimpse into the past of the Indian Ocean’s temperature changes,” Wenegrat asserts, emphasising the significance of cruise reports as underutilised data troves.
With a deeper understanding of the Indian Ocean’s past, researchers aim to forecast its future. As climate change ushers in the Anthropocene epoch, the need to differentiate between natural variability and human-induced alterations becomes paramount.
Caroline Ummenhofer, an oceanographer at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, highlights the importance of discerning these distinctions. She draws insights from 19th-century American whalers’ logbooks and their weather observations, shedding light on historical weather conditions.
However, unlocking the secrets of the Indian Ocean’s past is not just a matter of historical curiosity; it’s crucial for future planning. As Rajani Panchang, an oceanographer and micropaleontologist, asserts, the geological archives within the Indian Ocean provide critical insights into both natural climate variations and anthropogenic influences.
Moreover, collaborative efforts, like the International Indian Ocean Expedition, marked the genesis of comprehensive oceanographic studies in the region. Subsequent initiatives, such as INDEX 1979 and the Deep Sea Drilling Project, continued to enhance scientific understanding.
Rajan emphasizes the significance of drilling projects, like the Glomar Challenger, which unearthed sediment deposits, notably the Bengal and Indus Fans. These deposits serve as historical records of climate fluctuations linked to the Indian landmass and the Himalayas.
Furthermore, advancements in technology, from isotope geochemistry to sophisticated sediment samplers, have revolutionized our ability to comprehend the Anthropocene’s onset and its ongoing impact on the Indian Ocean.
As the International Indian Ocean Expedition-2 concluded in 2020, the integration of modern technologies and improved understanding of oceanic processes continue to shape scientific endeavors in the region.
Panchang raises concerns about preserving undisturbed coastal sediment cores as human encroachment threatens these invaluable records. The quest to understand the Indian Ocean’s past not only informs our present but also holds the key to navigating its future amidst a changing climate and increasing human influence.
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Sun directly overhead Kalpitiya, Talawa, Sinharagama, Galkadawala, Nachchaduwa, Padikaramaduwa, Gomarankalla and Verugal about 12.10 noon today (01)
The sun is going to be directly over the latitudes of Sri Lanka from 28th of August to 07th of September due to its apparent southward relative motion.
The nearest places of Sri Lanka over which the sun is overhead today (01) are Kalpitiya, Talawa, Sinharagama, Galkadawala,
Nachchaduwa, Padikaramaduwa, Gomarankalla and Verugal about 12.10 noon.
… stresses need for action if claims were proved false
Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Dayasiri Jayasekera has sought a clarification from Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickremaratne regarding several allegations against Chief Justice Preethi Padman Surasena, in Parliament, recently.
In a letter dated 31 August, Jayasekera has asked the Speaker whether he received any documentary evidence from MPs in support of the allegations at issue. The SJB MP has also inquired about the steps taken by the Speaker regarding the allegations and whether the issue had been taken up with the relevant agencies authorised to probe the assets of the CJ and members of his family.
MP Jayasekera confirmed that he had raised the issue with the Speaker, following the accusations relating to the high profile X-Press Pearl case, which received significant public attention in the recent past.
The Kurunegala District MP has also asked the Speaker whether the latter contemplated taking action in case the allegations were proved false to ensure that the dignity of the Chief Justice and the judiciary was safeguarded.
Among the issues raised by MP Jayasekera are the acquisition of valuable property in Colombo by the CJ’s son, the circumstances in which he was able to procure the property, as well as accusations regarding the CJ’s birth certificate, marriage certificate and birth certificates of his children.
Navy Chief Vice Admiral Damian Fernando held a series of strategic-level discussions with senior Indian defence and military officials during a three-day official visit to New Delhi. He returned on Sunday (30).
Navy Headquarters said that the two sides discussed ways to further strengthen maritime security cooperation between the two Navies in support of security in the Indian Ocean region. They also exchanged views on expanding training opportunities and capacity-building programmes, as well as other areas of bilateral importance.
During his visit to New Delhi, Vice Admiral Fernando also held official discussions with India’s Chief of Defence Staff, General N.S. Raja Subramani, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and Vice Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit and defence industry representatives. Discussions at these meetings focused on bilateral defence cooperation, joint training programmes, and opportunities to enhance air and maritime cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region.
As part of efforts to further expand cooperation in naval training and professional development, Vice Admiral Fernando also met Vice Admiral Sameer Saxena, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of India’s Southern Naval Command, at its headquarters in Kochi, Kerala. The two sides discussed existing naval training exchange programmes and opportunities for introducing and expanding further training initiatives. The meeting followed the Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy’s visit to INS Dronacharya, the Indian Navy’s training establishment where he previously completed the Long Gunnery and Missile Course.
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Sun directly overhead Kalpitiya, Talawa, Sinharagama, Galkadawala, Nachchaduwa, Padikaramaduwa, Gomarankalla and Verugal about 12.10 noon today (01)
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