Ocean Observation Network Status and Capabilities
The Ministry of Earth Sciences provided a comprehensive status update on India's Ocean Observation Network in response to a parliamentary question. The network currently comprises 19 subsurface moorings (16 in mainland EEZ and 3 in equatorial Indian Ocean) for monitoring ocean currents and zooplankton biomass. The tsunami monitoring infrastructure includes 17 broadband seismic stations, 7 deep-ocean tsunami buoys, and 36 coastal tide gauges, supported by 35 GNSS receivers and strong-motion accelerometers for real-time tsunami detection.
Coastal and Deep-Sea Monitoring Systems
INCOIS operates an extensive coastal observation network consisting of 17 Directional Wave Rider Buoys, 20 Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers, 32 Automatic Weather Stations, 2 Water Quality Buoys, and 50 tide gauges for continuous coastal monitoring. The deep-sea and autonomous observation capabilities include 302 Argo profiling floats deployed between 2014-2025, 12 deep-sea glider missions, 45 drifting buoys, and 64 wave drifters. The network is further enhanced with advanced instruments including Vertical Microstructure Profilers, Underway Conductivity-Temperature-Depth systems, and Wire Walker systems.
Operational Impact and Forecasting Improvements
The observational data is transmitted through the Global Telecommunication System to INCOIS, where it undergoes quality checking and assimilation into operational numerical models. This data integration has resulted in a 43% improvement in wave forecast accuracy since 2014, with sustained improvements over five-day forecast periods. Coastal forecast systems now achieve approximately 70% accuracy. The network enables INCOIS to issue tsunami advisories within the stipulated 10-minute window following tsunamigenic earthquakes, meeting international standards.
Recent Expansions and Collaborations
The government has recently expanded the network with 14 additional tide gauges and 15 co-located GNSS receivers to enhance tsunami monitoring. A Directional Wave Rider Buoy was deployed off Mauritius to improve prediction of Southern Ocean swells affecting north Indian coastal waters. Regular pre- and post-monsoon research vessel cruises have been institutionalized for deployment and maintenance operations. Collaboration with CSIR-NIO, NCPOR, and other partner institutions has been strengthened to ensure sustained operation and expansion of the national ocean observation network.
Data Assimilation and Forecasting Systems
Real-time observations are assimilated into the INCOIS Global Ocean Data Assimilation System (INCOIS-GODS), which provides initial ocean conditions for the Coupled Forecast System used for seasonal forecasts and the Hybrid Coordinate Ocean Model that supplies initial conditions for the Hurricane Weather Research and Forecasting model used by India Meteorological Department for cyclone prediction. These systems have substantially strengthened India's capabilities in monsoon, cyclone, and ocean-state forecasting, supporting maritime operations, coastal communities, and disaster risk reduction.