Cyclone frequency may rise over Indian coast from the warming of Pacific: study
A combination of global warming and a cyclical event called the Pacific Decadal Oscillation that repeats every 20-30 years, could make cyclones that originate near the Equator more frequent in the coming years
360° Perspective Analysis
Deep-dive into Geography, Polity, Economy, History, Environment & Social dimensions — AI-powered, on-demand
Context
A new study published in Nature Communications suggests that the frequency of devastating tropical cyclones originating near the Equator over the Indian coast could increase in the coming years. This potential rise is attributed to a combination of global warming and a cooler, negative phase of the (PDO), a cyclical climate pattern that repeats every 20-30 years.
UPSC Perspectives
Geographical
The study highlights the intricate relationship between ocean-atmosphere phenomena in the Pacific and weather patterns in the . The El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is a well-known interannual climate pattern where El Nino (warming of the central equatorial Pacific) typically suppresses the , while La Nina (cooling phase) enhances rainfall. This article introduces another crucial layer: the (PDO). Unlike ENSO's shorter cycle (2-7 years), the PDO is a long-term (20-30 years) ocean temperature fluctuation. The study reveals that a 'positive' or 'warmer' PDO phase (characterized by cooler temperatures in the Western Pacific and warmer temperatures in the Central/Eastern Equatorial Pacific) historically corresponded to fewer equatorial cyclones (e.g., a 43% reduction between 1981-2010 compared to 1951-1980). However, the PDO shifted to a 'cooler' or negative phase in 2019. When the PDO is in its 'negative' phase (warmer Western Pacific, cooler Eastern Pacific), combined with global warming, it creates favorable conditions for equatorial-origin cyclones. that provide more moisture—for the formation of high-intensity tropical cyclones near the Equator, a region where they typically rarely form. UPSC Prelims frequently tests the distinctions between ENSO, (IOD), and now potentially the PDO, requiring candidates to understand their respective time scales, temperature anomalies, and impacts on Indian rainfall and cyclogenesis.
Environmental
From an environmental perspective, this research underscores the compounding effects of anthropogenic climate change and natural climate variability. The baseline warming of the oceans due to climate change provides the necessary thermal energy (sea surface temperatures above 26.5°C) required for tropical cyclogenesis. The study emphasizes that when the natural decadal variability of the aligns in its negative phase, it amplifies this warming effect near the Equator, significantly increasing the probability of devastating storms like the 2017 . This highlights a crucial concept for UPSC Mains: climate change is not just about linear temperature increases, but how it interacts with and exacerbates natural cycles, leading to extreme and unpredictable weather events. This necessitates robust climate modeling that integrates these long-term decadal oscillations to accurately predict future climate risks and inform adaptation strategies.
Governance
The shifting frequency and intensity of cyclones have profound implications for Disaster Management (). If cyclones originating near the Equator—which historically have been rare—become more frequent, regions previously considered less vulnerable may face increased risks. This necessitates a proactive shift in the strategies of bodies like the (NDMA) and the (IMD). The IMD must enhance its early warning systems to account for the complex interplay between ENSO, PDO, and global warming. State governments, particularly those in coastal regions like Kerala and Tamil Nadu, must upgrade their disaster preparedness, focusing on climate-resilient infrastructure, improved evacuation protocols, and localized risk assessments that factor in these new, complex climate projections. The focus must shift from reactive relief to proactive climate adaptation and mitigation.