Arabian Sea

Context: Unusual boiling or bubbling of seawater has been reported in the Arabian Sea off the Gujarat coast, raising concerns among fishermen and authorities.

About Arabian Sea:

What it is?

• • • The Arabian Sea is a northwestern arm of the Indian Ocean, forming a crucial maritime space linking Europe, West Asia, Africa, and South Asia, and serving as one of the world’s busiest sea routes.

Bordering nations:

• • • India, Pakistan, Iran, Oman, Yemen, and Somalia.
    • Connected to the Persian Gulf via the Strait of Hormuz and to the Red Sea via the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait.

Key geological features:

• • • Formed ~50 million years ago due to the collision of the Indian Plate with Eurasia.
    • Dominated by deep basins: Arabian Basin and Somali Basin.
    • Presence of Carlsberg Ridge and Murray Ridge – seismically active submarine ridges.
    • Upwelling zones along Somali and Arabian coasts during the southwest monsoon.

Issue of the ‘boiling’ phenomenon:

• • Characterised by intense churning and bubbling of seawater, resembling surface boiling
  • Possible causes under examination:
    • Natural methane or gas seepage from seabed.
    • Underwater tectonic or volcanic activity along submarine ridges.
    • Industrial causes, such as leakage from undersea pipelines or shipping-related disturbances.