AOQR

Working Group 2 : OCEANIC REALMS IN QUATERNARY (OCRELQAT)

Group Head : Dr Rajeev Saraswat, NIO, Goa
Group Secretary : Dr. Sambuddha Mishra, ISC, Bangalore

The theme OCRELQAT is based on the vast Oceanic research ongoing in the sub-continent and has wide spatio-temporal implications for understanding the Quaternary Period.

2.1 & 2.2 Biotic Ocean and Abiotic Ocean

Group Leader :
The working groups Biotic Ocean and Abiotic Ocean shall include the researchers studying different biotic and abiotic proxies in the oceanic sediment deposits in the region. Linking these proxy records and bringing the expertise under one roof shall be the particular aim of these working groups. A compilation of existing records is necessary to find the gaps in data; besides appreciating its utility. Integration and correlation of data will be emphasized besides extending the oceanic records for correlation with the continental records. Ocean circulation, ocean-atmospheric coupling and integration with continental processed during Quaternary period should also be focussed. This group should also develop international collaborations by developing such teams.
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2.3 Ocean Surface Monitoring

Group Leader :
A large pool of researchers is monitoring Ocean surface records and many have an understanding of palaeo-oceanic surface processes based on proxy records. Records such as SST, oceanic CO2 levels, ENSO etc, are some such information which is conclusively gathered and monitored on a daily bases. Palaeo- records along with modern data sets of the surface process shall provide a lucid understanding of ocean realm of the Indian-subcontinent during the Quaternary. These researches shall be able coming together under the Ocean surface monitoring working group. This group will integrate with 2.1 and 2.3 to develop the ocean circulation models for the Indian ocean (and the Bengal sea and Arabian sea).

2.4 Coastal and Marginal Marine zones

Group Leader :
The Oceanic researchers are conclusively involved in Coastal and marginal marine zones. They understand the sea-level fluctuations in the long coastline across the subcontinent and sedimentary processes in the region during the Quaternary period. Numerous workers are also studying the large deltaic deposit areas of the sub-continent and their behaviour in the Quaternary. The sediment flux into the oceans are governed by the monsoon precipitation. Studies on sediment source and sink can be promoted. All these researchers shall come together in the Coastal and Marginal Marine zones working group.

2.5 Monsoon patterns and its variation through Quaternary

Group Leader :
Monsoon patterns and its variation through Quaternary working group shall bring together Quaternary researchers studying Palaeo-monsoon and modern day patterns of Monsoonal variation in the subcontinent. The Monsoon patterns have largely impacted the Quaternary sedimentation in the region in both terrestrial and oceanic realms but the origins of this complex system start from the Oceans. So the spatio-temporal changes in the significant patterns of the Monsoon in the Indian Subcontinent needs a deeper understanding to amalgamate palaeo-monsoon and modern monsoon records for future impacts on the large population of the region. This group will integrate with 2.1 to 2.4 above.