- OMT is measured up to a depth of 26°C isotherm which is 129 metres in the south-western Indian Ocean during January – March.
- OMT collected during January March can be used in assessing whether the amount of rainfall in monsoon will be less or more than a certain long-term mean
Select the correct answer using the code given below
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (b)
Statement 1 is not correct:
The Ocean Mean Temperature (OMT) is measured up to a depth of 26 degree C isotherm, is more stable and consistent, and the spatial spread is also less. The 26 degree C isotherm is seen at depths varying from 50 –100 metres. During January –March, the mean 26 degree C isotherm depth in the Southwestern Indian Ocean is 59 metres.
Statement 2 is correct: Ocean heat content (OHC) and Ocean Mean Temperature (OMT) are important climatic parameters required for atmospheric and oceanic studies like cyclone and monsoon predictions and ocean heat transport estimations. Sea surface temperature (SST) is routinely used for predicting if the total amount of rainfall that India receives during the monsoon season will be less or more than the long term mean of 887.5 mm. Now, scientists from Pune’s Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) find that ocean mean temperature (OMT) has better ability to predict this than the sea surface temperature.
