The Maritime Continent, encompassing Indonesia and its surrounding waters, holds a key role in the complex interplay between the atmosphere and the ocean. Scientists are delving deeper into understanding the dynamics of air-sea interaction over this region, particularly focusing on the impacts of two major climate phenomena: El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD).
Prof. R. Dwi Susanto, Ph.D. from the Department of Atmospheric and Marine Sciences, University of Maryland, on the occasion of giving a public lecture to oceanography and marine science students regarding air and sea interactions over the Indonesian maritime islands, moderated by Prof.Dr.Sc. Anindya Wirasatriya, S.T., M.Si., M.Sc.
ENSO, characterized by the periodic warming (El Niño) and cooling (La Niña) of sea surface temperatures in the equatorial Pacific Ocean, has far-reaching effects on global weather patterns. Meanwhile, the IOD refers to the sea surface temperature gradient between the western and eastern parts of the Indian Ocean. Both ENSO and IOD can significantly influence the atmospheric circulation and precipitation patterns over the Maritime Continent.
Recent studies have shed light on how ENSO and IOD events influence the ocean currents around Indonesia. During El Niño events, warm water is transported eastward, impacting the western Pacific Ocean and causing a weakening of the Indonesian Throughflow, a major ocean current that flows between the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Conversely, La Niña events lead to stronger Indonesian Throughflow as cooler waters in the eastern Pacific enhance the pressure gradient across the equatorial Pacific.
Understanding these interactions is crucial for predicting and managing climate variability and extreme weather events in Indonesia. It provides valuable insights for fisheries, marine biodiversity, and coastal communities, which are highly dependent on ocean conditions. Moreover, with the increasing frequency and intensity of ENSO and IOD events due to climate change, their influence on Indonesian ocean currents is expected to become more pronounced.
Scientists and researchers continue to monitor and study these phenomena, using advanced oceanographic and atmospheric models to improve predictions. Collaborations between international research institutions and Indonesian agencies are also enhancing the country’s capacity to anticipate and adapt to the impacts of ENSO and IOD on its oceanic environment.
As the world grapples with the challenges of a changing climate, unraveling the mysteries of air-sea interaction over the Maritime Continent provides valuable knowledge for sustainable management of Indonesia’s marine resources and resilience-building against climate-related risks.
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