New Delhi: A recent study has uncovered a significant anomaly in the Bay of Bengal, challenging the century-old Ekman theory of wind-driven ocean currents. Conducted by researchers from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Indian National Center for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), and the University of Zagreb, the study reveals that ocean currents in the Bay of Bengal deflect leftward, contrary to the predictions of Ekman’s theory.
Developed in 1905 by Swedish oceanographer Vagn Walfrid Ekman, the Ekman theory posits that surface ocean currents are deflected 45 degrees to the right of the wind direction in the Northern Hemisphere due to the Coriolis force. This deflection creates a spiral effect in successive layers beneath the surface, known as the Ekman spiral. The theory has been a cornerstone in understanding wind-driven ocean currents for over a century.
The study, published in Science Advances, analyzed data collected over several years from a buoy stationed off India’s eastern coast. The findings revealed that, despite prevailing winds, the ocean currents in the Bay of Bengal veer leftward, defying Ekman’s predictions. This anomaly suggests that local factors, such as unique regional wind patterns and oceanic dynamics, play a significant role in influencing current directions.
The researchers emphasized that these findings could have profound implications for global climate models. If exceptions to Ekman’s theory exist in the Bay of Bengal, similar anomalies might occur in other regions, necessitating a reassessment of global oceanic patterns. The study highlights the need for more detailed oceanographic research to understand the complexities of wind-driven currents better.
To address these gaps, the researchers suggested deploying advanced monitoring systems, such as a NASA satellite system, to comprehensively track wind and surface currents. This approach could help identify other exceptions to Ekman’s theory and improve the accuracy of climate predictions.