Water from the Pacific Ocean flows into the Indian Ocean via the Indonesia Archipelago thanks to a vast network of currents that act as a conveyor belt, transporting warmth and nutrients.
These currents are crucial for the functioning of the world’s hottest ocean and support a diverse range of marine life. However, currents can sometimes form circular motions and these are known as eddies.
Eddies can have a significant impact on the currents that carry water from the Pacific Ocean to the Indian Ocean.
An international group of researchers has recently modeled the impacts of eddies on these currents. The results of the study have revealed some interesting statistics.
The researchers found that eddies are not only a natural occurrence in the ocean but can also provide various benefits. For instance, eddies can enhance the transfer of nutrients and heat between different parts of the ocean. Besides that, these currents can also help to diversify the marine ecosystem by increasing biodiversity.
However, eddies can also have adverse effects on the ocean currents. For example, they can slow down the flow of water from the Pacific to the Indian Ocean, which can impact the temperature and nutrient distribution.
This, in turn, can affect the lives of marine animals living in the affected areas.
Eddies are an essential feature of the world’s hottest ocean. They have both positive and negative impacts on the currents that transport water from the Pacific to the Indian Ocean.
While eddies can enhance biodiversity and nutrient transfer, they can also have adverse effects. The research into the impacts of eddies on the ocean currents is ongoing, and researchers in this domain hope to provide more insights into this fascinating natural phenomenon.
Edited by Zeng Han-Jun
Written by Juliana Rodriguez
Terra Link Research 