Arabian Sea
Geography
The Arabian Sea is a region of the northern Indian Ocean bounded on the north by Pakistan and Iran, on the west by the Gulf of Oman, on the southwest by Oman, on the east by India, and on the south by the Laccadive Sea. Its total area is approximately 3,862,000 km² and its maximum depth is 4,652 metres (15,262 ft). The Gulf of Aden connects it with the Red Sea.
Hydrology
The Arabian Sea's surface water temperature ranges from 26°C in winter to 31°C in summer. The water's salinity ranges from 36 to 37 parts per thousand (ppt) in the east to 37 to 38 ppt in the west. The sea experiences two monsoon seasons, a "Southwest monsoon" and a "Northeast monsoon". The Southwest monsoon, occurring from June to September is strong, while the Northeast monsoon, occurring from October to November, is weaker. The sea's circulation pattern is driven by these monsoons.
Marine Life
The Arabian Sea is home to a wide variety of marine life. Species such as the dugong, a large marine mammal, and the Arabian Sea humpback whale, which is the most isolated and only non-migratory population in the world, are found here. The sea also supports many fish species including tuna, sardine, pomfret, and mackerel. Coral reefs, which are vital to marine ecosystems, are also present in the Arabian Sea.
Economy
The Arabian Sea has been an important marine trade route since the era of the ancient civilizations of the Indus Valley and Mesopotamia. Today, it continues to serve as a major trade route between India and the Middle East, with ports such as Mumbai, Karachi, and Muscat playing key roles in regional commerce. The sea also has significant fishing and shipping industries, and is known for its offshore oil production.
Environmental Concerns
The Arabian Sea faces several environmental challenges, including overfishing, climate change, and pollution. Overfishing has led to a decline in fish populations, while climate change is causing sea level rise and increased storm intensity. Pollution, particularly from oil spills and plastic waste, is also a major concern.