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.