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The Secret of the Somali Current: How is it Changing Marine Ecosystems?
At the border of the Indian Ocean, the Somali Current demonstrates its power and influence that cannot be ignored. This cold ocean current flows along the coast of Somalia and Oman, similar to the Atlantic Gulf Stream. Due to the influence of the monsoon, the seasonal changes of the Somali Current and the upwelling phenomenon it causes make this area a zone with extremely rich marine ecosystems. .
The Somali Current is the only system where major upwelling occurs on the western boundary of an ocean, representing an endless array of possibilities and complexity in marine ecology.
From June to September each year, with the arrival of the southwest monsoon, coastal waters are pushed northeast, promoting upwelling along the coast. These upwellings bring in nutrient-rich cold water that meets currents from the open ocean, creating an ideal environment for organisms to thrive. In addition to affecting the marine ecology, this process also changes the local heat distribution and hydrological cycle.
Formation and behavior of the Somali Current
The behavior of the Somali Current is primarily driven by monsoon winds. Every summer, the southwest monsoon interacts with the north-south coastal air currents to form strong upwellings, causing the water temperature to drop rapidly, thereby promoting the prosperity of marine life. However, as winter approaches, the northeast monsoon causes the ocean currents to gradually slow down or even reverse direction, resulting in a significant decline in productivity.
"The Somali Current demonstrates an unparalleled ability to adapt during the different phases of the monsoon, influencing marine life in ways that scientists are still unraveling."
It has become an extremely important marine ecosystem
The powerful upwelling of the Somali Current not only increases local biological productivity, but also attracts large amounts of phytoplankton and zooplankton, other important components of the food chain. Studies have shown that phytoplankton density increased significantly during this period, and it is estimated that phytoplankton production may have increased by an average of 25 percent per year due to upwelling. This phenomenon marks the indispensable role of the Somali Current in the ecosystem.
Nutrient-rich waters flowing from the depths near the coast support one of the most productive marine ecosystems in the world.
Still, due to the rapid movement of coastal currents, this nutrient-rich water often does not stay locally for long, which limits the long-term productivity of organisms. Many unused nutrients are carried into the South Arabian Sea, further boosting biological production there. So while the Somali Current moves a large amount of organisms, its productivity is subject to certain constraints.
Giant anticyclonic vortex: the Great Vortex
One of the most notable features of the region is the Great Whirl, a giant anticyclonic vortex formed by the Somali Current during the boreal summer. Every summer, the appearance and shape of the Great Whirlpool interacts with monsoon conditions, changing the direction and speed of local water currents. This phenomenon has a significant impact on the ecological environment changes in nearby waters, especially the migration routes of fish schools.
Conclusion"The presence of large eddies not only affects water flow patterns, but is also an important regulator of ocean heat transfer."
As global climate change and marine ecosystems undergo drastic changes, it becomes increasingly important to understand how the Somali Current affects marine ecosystems. Can this vital ocean movement continue to maintain its balanced ecosystem, or will it be disrupted by more drastic environmental changes?
