Mesoscale Eddies of the Western Arabian Sea

The western Arabian Sea is known for a vigorous field of mesoscale eddies. These eddies (with a diameter of about 200km) induce ecological problems in Omani fishery, namely sudden changes in artisanal catches of small pelagic fishes, the fish kill incidents and oxygen depletions over the Omani shelf. However, the seasonality of occurrence of cyclonic and anti-cyclonic eddies is poorly understood. This understanding is crucial, especially in light of the forthcoming extension of the Omani shelf economic zone off shore; the fishery area affected by oceanic eddies will increase. The goal of the project is to elucidate seasonal changes in the occurrence of cyclonic and anti-cyclonic eddies in the western Arabian Sea and a potential impact of these eddies on fisheries. Data analysis will be based on remote sensing and modeling. The educational goal of the project is to serve as the practical material for the undergraduate courses taught at SQU in the field of oceanography and marine biology, as well as the research needs of graduates and the faculty. The expected outcomes will be presented in the form of scientific papers, conference presentations, outreach activities, and the SQU course materials. Two undergraduate students will be involved and trained in the analysis of oceanographic data.

The western Arabian Sea is known for a vigorous field of mesoscale eddies. These eddies (with a diameter of about 200km) induce ecological problems in Omani fishery, namely sudden changes in artisanal catches of small pelagic fishes, the fish kill incidents and oxygen depletions over the Omani shelf. However, the seasonality of occurrence of cyclonic and anti-cyclonic eddies is poorly understood. This understanding is crucial, especially in light of the forthcoming extension of the Omani shelf economic zone off shore; the fishery area affected by oceanic eddies will increase. The goal of the project is to elucidate seasonal changes in the occurrence of cyclonic and anti-cyclonic eddies in the western Arabian Sea and a potential impact of these eddies on fisheries. Data analysis will be based on remote sensing and modeling. The educational goal of the project is to serve as the practical material for the undergraduate courses taught at SQU in the field of oceanography and marine biology, as well as the research needs of graduates and the faculty. The expected outcomes will be presented in the form of scientific papers, conference presentations, outreach activities, and the SQU course materials. Two undergraduate students will be involved and trained in the analysis of oceanographic data.