Which organization provides coral bleaching alert services for Indian coral regions based on sea surface temperature data?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
Correct Answer: Option 3 (Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services - INCOIS)
Explanation:
The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), located in Hyderabad and operating under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, provides coral bleaching warning services for Indian coral reefs. The organization issues Coral Bleaching Alerts (CBAS) using sea surface temperature (SST) data obtained via satellite. This service monitors major coral reefs such as the Gulf of Mannar, the Gulf of Kutch, Lakshadweep Islands, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Additional Facts:
What is coral bleaching? When sea temperatures rise abnormally, corals expel the colorful algae (zooxanthellae) living within them, causing them to turn white, weaken, and may die.
Other INCOIS services: This center also provides tsunami early warning, information on potential fishing zones (PFZs), and wave forecasting.
CMFRI: It primarily focuses on marine fisheries and marine resource management.
ZSI: It is responsible for surveying and exploring India's fauna and diversity.
Possible questions for upcoming exams:
In which Indian city is the headquarters of INCOIS located?
(Answer: Hyderabad)
What is the world's largest coral reef system?
(Answer: Great Barrier Reef, Australia)
What is called the Rainforest of the Sea?
(Answer: Coral reefs)