In a groundbreaking initiative, Indian researchers are set to deploy an autonomous underwater glider in the Antarctic Ocean, marking the first use of such technology in the region to study climate change impacts. This mission is part of India’s Deep Ocean Mission and will be executed by the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) and the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR).
The glider, measuring two meters and weighing 50 kg, will be launched approximately 1,700 km from Bharathi, India’s permanent research station in Antarctica, during the 44th Indian scientific expedition, commencing next month. Capable of diving up to 1,000 meters and traveling at speeds of 10 to 20 cm per second, the glider will gather crucial oceanographic data, including temperature, salinity, and dissolved oxygen levels.
The data collected will be pivotal in understanding the effects of climate change on sea level rise due to glacier melting. The glider will operate in a unique area where warm sub-tropical saline water meets cold polar water, providing insights into vital oceanic processes.
This deployment follows earlier successful missions in the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal, highlighting India's commitment to advancing oceanographic research.