Introduction Oceanic salinity refers to the concentration of dissolved salts, primarily sodium chloride (NaCl), in seawater. Salinity is usually expressed in parts per thousand (ppt) or grams of salt per kilogram of seawater. On average, the world’s oceans have a salinity of about 35 ppt, but this value varies widely depending on geographic location, depth,…
Introduction Petroleum refineries are industrial facilities where crude oil is processed into useful products such as gasoline, diesel, kerosene, jet fuel, lubricants, and petrochemical feedstocks. While one might logically assume that refineries are located close to crude oil producing areas to minimize transportation costs, in many developing countries, refineries are often situated far from oil…
Introduction India is a country with a diverse hydrological profile, ranging from the snow-fed Himalayan rivers to the monsoon-dependent peninsular rivers. Floods, especially during the monsoon season, have long been considered a major natural hazard, causing loss of life, property, and agricultural productivity. According to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), floods affect more than…
Introduction The monsoon climate is one of the most distinctive climatic systems in the world, marked by seasonal reversal of winds, distinct wet and dry periods, and high rainfall intensity. It plays a crucial role in sustaining the agriculture, economy, and livelihoods of over 50% of the world’s population residing in Monsoon Asia, which includes…
The genesis of India’s indigenous satellite navigation system, NavIC, is not merely a tale of technological ambition but a profound declaration of national strategic autonomy. The necessity for an independent regional constellation arose from critical vulnerabilities inherent in relying on foreign-controlled Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), primarily the US-operated Global Positioning System (GPS). The Inviolable…
Introduction The Arctic region, once considered a frozen and inaccessible frontier, is rapidly emerging as a critical area of global interest. Due to the accelerating impact of climate change, ice sheets and glaciers in the Arctic are melting at unprecedented rates, exposing vast reserves of untapped natural resources and opening new maritime trade routes. For…
Introduction The Earth’s interior is a dynamic system where enormous forces operate beyond human perception. Among the processes that shape the planet’s geological features, mantle plumes hold a significant position. They are not only key to understanding the internal dynamics of the Earth but also crucial in explaining the mechanisms of volcanism, continental breakup, and…
Introduction “Dead Zones” are hypoxic (low-oxygen) regions in oceans, seas, and large freshwater bodies where oxygen levels are too low to sustain most marine life. Scientifically, hypoxia is defined as dissolved oxygen concentration below 2 mg/L, which is lethal for many fish, invertebrates, and benthic organisms. Dead zones have become one of the most pressing…
Introduction India is facing an alarming crisis of groundwater depletion. Rapid urbanization, population growth, industrial expansion, and unsustainable water use have placed unprecedented stress on groundwater resources. According to the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), over 30% of India’s groundwater blocks are overexploited, and urban areas are disproportionately affected due to high water demand and…
Introduction The term “Blue Revolution” refers to the rapid and sustainable development of the aquaculture and fisheries sector to increase fish production, ensure food security, and improve livelihoods. Coined in the 1970s, the concept of the Blue Revolution parallels the Green Revolution in agriculture, emphasizing productivity enhancement through modern technology, scientific management, and infrastructure development….