For utilising the ocean resources in a sustainable way and making the benefits cost effetive, it is important to understand oceanic processes. Knowledge of ocean dynamics is a prerequisite for prediction of ocean state based on ocean models.

5.4.1 Indian Ocean Modelling and Dynamics (INDOMOD)

The programme is designed to generate a wide range of ocean models. The institutes associated in this enceavor are Centre for Mathematical Modelling and Computer Simulation (C-MMACS) , National Institute of Oceanography (NIO), Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi (IIT-D) and Cochin University. C-MMACS is the nodal agency for coordination of this project.

The primary objective of the programme are as follows:

Development of basin scale dynamic model using Ocean General Circulation Model for short and long term state forecast.

Generation of biological coupled model for prediction of seasonal and inter-annual variations of marine productivity.

To develop mathematical models for tidal wind driven circulation for assessing the health of the ocean and the coastal zones of India.

To generate coupled ocean atmosphere models for predicting monthly and seasonal oceanographic parameters to study the oceanographic process ; for prediction of storm surge associated with tropical cyclones along the Indian coast and for studying the inter-annual/ decadal variations in the surface ocean for long term prediction of Indian monsoon and for developing systems for an experimental Ocean State Forecast.

5.4.2 Joint Global Ocean Flux Study - JGOFS (India)

The JGOFS is a core project of International Biosphere-Geosphere Programme (IGBP) for understanding the global scale processes controlling the time varying fluxes of carbon and associated biogenic elements in the ocean and develop capability to predict the changes in biogenic chemical processes due to climate change. The Indian component ofv the JGOFS programme was launched in 1993 to estimate the carbon fluxes.

During the year, the observation part of the JGOFS programme was completed and the data collected is being analysed to estimate the carbon flux in the Arabian sea. Recognising the importance of JGOFS studies,the Deaprtment is currently formulating a plan for undertaking a similar study in the Bay of Bengal.

5.4.3 Land Ocean Interaction in the Coastal Zone (LOICZ)

During 9th Plan, the Department is proposing to implement one of the core programmes of IGBP called Land Ocean Interaction in the Coastal Zone (LOICZ) for understanding the changes in the coastal zones at regional and global scale particularly due to global climate change. The programme will determine carbon associated elemental fluxes which are potential contributors to land-ocean interaction and improve predicative capability of variability of the coastal zones of India due to climate change. The potential coastal areas being considered for study are Godavari Basin and Eastern Arabian Sea Margin. The institutes associated with the programme are NIO, PRL, Andhra University, Jawaharlal Nehru University(JNU), Anna University, etc.