Oceanic Regions Research Articles

Costs Relations in the Hydrocarbons Supply Chain Project

Most of the hydrocarbons supply chains are carried out using marine and pipeline transports. The use of tankers or pipelines on particular routes is determined by economic reasons. The problem of cost estimation in the hydrocarbons supply chains has not been covered in scientific publications. The purpose of this paper is to develop a method for analyzing the cost relations in the oil supply chain of an energy project in the Eastern Siberia Pacific Ocean (ESPO) Region. The results obtained using the developed method showed that the total cost of transporting one ton of oil for 100km by using ESPO pipelines are 6 - 8 times greater than the cost for a similar maritime shipping. It also shows that the cost of oil transportation will significantly increase if the pipeline capacity utilization decreases and the interest rate increases.

The Impacts of Far‐Field Typhoon‐Generated Coastal Trapped Waves on the Hydrodynamics in the Northern South China Sea: A Case Study of Typhoon In‐Fa

AbstractCoastal Trapped Waves (CTWs) have the potential to transmit significant energy from atmospheric wind systems, causing dramatic coastal changes over vast areas, even far from the wind systems. This study investigated the impacts of CTWs generated by Typhoon In‐fa (2021) on the northern South China Sea (NSCS) hydrodynamics using tide gauge observations, reanalysis data, and numerical model outputs. The analysis results indicate that the CTWs induced by Typhoon In‐fa exhibit distinct characteristics in different phases of wave crest and trough. During the crest phase, coastal currents generated by CTWs flow opposite to the background circulation, while during the trough phase, they flow in the same direction. This process is accompanied by changes in cross‐shore currents, such that during the crest phase of CTWs, the cross‐shore currents are landward at the surface and seaward at the bottom, while during the trough phase of CTWs, the cross‐shore currents become reversed. These changes further lead to downwelling in temperature, salinity, and density during the crest phase of CTWs, and upwelling during the trough phase of CTWs. Results from a linear CTW model demonstrated that the above characteristics agreed with the traditional CTW theory. Sensitivity experiments with the Regional Ocean Model System (ROMS) explored key factors influencing NSCS hydrodynamics, including local winds and CTWs from Typhoon In‐fa. The local winds and CTWs have different effects: they compete during the crest phase and co‐work during the trough phase, with local winds dominating the sea surface and CTWs dominating the seabed.

Computational Analysis of Tsunami Wave Run-Up by Implementation of TIMPULSE-SIM Model with Japan and Indonesian Seismic Tsunami

The alternative newly developed TIMPULSE-SIM model is used for forecasting all three phases of seismic/earthquake-induced tsunami waves. The main objective of this modeling is to predict the earliest arrival time of tsunami with less computation time. This paper analyses the third phase or the run-up phase of tsunami. The assessment of tsunami wave run-up minimize the risk in coastal community due to the tsunami impact. The paper introduces a closed set of algebraic expressions for modeling the run-up phase and the reliability of the model is analyzed by implementing and testing of this model to the two major historical seismic tsunami are, 2004 Indonesian Subduction zone tsunami in Indian ocean region, 2011 Great east Japan tsunami in Pacific ocean region. From this study, this proposed model should be a good alternative to the existing model for applying to the real time tsunami event because it includes the nonlinearity and frequency dispersion of wave, and applied to both near and far field tsunamis, efficient to apply for a long duration, mainly the computation time is achieved in O(minutes). More than 90 percentage of accuracy achieved in this model by validating the simulated results with the historical and other existing model that emphasize the model’s reliability.

Mesoscale dynamics and its interaction with coastal upwelling in the northern Gulf of Guinea

Mesoscale dynamics is essential to understanding the physical and biological processes of the coastal ocean regions due to its ability to modulate water properties. However, on the shelf, interactions between eddies, coastal currents, and topography involve complex processes whose observation, understanding, and accurate simulation still pose a major challenge. The purpose of our work is to quantify the mesoscale eddies in the northern Gulf of Guinea, off West Africa (10°W–10°E, 2°N–7°N), and their dynamical interaction with the near-surface ocean particularly in the coastal upwelling that occurs in summer between 2°W and 2°E. We used a regional NEMO model simulation at 1/36° resolution over the 2007–2017 period with daily outputs. A total of 38 cyclonic and 35 anticyclonic eddy trajectories were detected over the 2007–2017 period in July–August–September (JAS), with a mean radius along their trajectories of 95 km and 125 km, respectively. The mean lifetime for cyclones and anticyclones is approximately 1 month with an associated sea-level amplitude between 1 and 2 cm. We then focused on the JAS upwelling period of the year 2016 and found a 73 km radius cyclonic eddy east of Cape Three Points (Ghana) with a lifetime of 1 month which interacted with the coastal upwelling. Indeed, the quasi-stationary eddy dwelled within the coastal upwelling region from mid-July to mid-August 2016. A Lagrangian study shows that the eddy waters come from the coastal upwelling, then mix with warmer offshore waters, and later are transported eastward by the Guinea Current. Using a heat budget analysis, we show that this eddy–coastal upwelling interaction has an impact on sea surface temperature (SST) with a double effect: i) the eddy expands offshore the cold and salty waters (23°C and 35.6) of the coastal upwelling from 14 to 26 July; and ii) from 27 July until its dissipation, the eddy weakens this upwelling by an easterly inflow of warm offshore waters. This study highlights how the eddy–upwelling interaction can modulate the coastal upwelling in the northern Gulf of Guinea.

Impacts of climate trends on the heavy precipitation event associated with Typhoon Doksuri in Northern China

The remnant inland circulation of Typhoon Doksuri induced catastrophic heavy precipitation in July 2023 in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei area of China. The role of climate trends in this event is investigated using the pseudo-global warming approach. The control experiment driven by the ERA5 reanalysis captures the intensity and spatial distribution of the heavy precipitation reasonably well. The effects of climate trends are investigated by removing climate trends in various variables from the boundary and initial conditions of the sensitivity experiments. The warming trend of sea surface temperature is found to enhance extreme precipitation intensity, while the specific humidity trend, which is positive over the ocean but negative in some inland regions, has negligible impacts on inland extreme precipitation. The impacts of atmospheric dynamic trends are found to be predominant, which alter the track of the remnant circulation, reduce precipitation intensity, and substantially change the spatial distribution of precipitation. This study highlights the importance of considering atmospheric dynamic trends when assessing the impacts of climate trends on typhoon remnant circulations over land, which may lead to extreme precipitation in regions that have rarely experienced such extremes before.

Analysis of the Influence of Clear-Sky Fluxes on the Cloud-Type Mean Cloud Radiative Effects in the Tropical Convectively Active Regions With CERES Satellite Data.

Cloud radiative effects (CREs) and cloud-type mean CREs depend upon how clear-sky fluxes are computed over a large area: those of the immediate environment of clouds or the regional mean clear-sky fluxes. Five convectively active regions in the Tropics, two over land (Africa and Amazon) and three over ocean (eastern and western Pacific and Atlantic), are selected to understand the influence of immediate environment of clouds on CREs. Fluxes derived from 19years of high-resolution CERES satellite data, categorized by cloud type, are utilized. The cloud types are classified based on the joint cloud top pressure and cloud optical depth distribution. For the entire tropical region, differences in cloud-type mean CRE with regional mean and immediate environment clear skies range from -7.8 to 10.7Wm-2 for shortwave (SW), 2.9 to 15.8Wm-2 for longwave (LW), and 6.1 to 17.9Wm-2 for net, respectively. The oceanic and Amazonia regions have negative (positive) SW (LW) CRE differences, typically 2-6Wm-2 in SW but 7-10Wm-2 in LW, whereas Africa has positive SW and LW CRE differences (typically 20-30Wm-2, up to 40-50Wm-2). The influence of immediate environment reduces the regionally averaged, that is, cloud-type mean CREs weighted by cloud fractions, SW cloud cooling, and LW cloud warming in four of the five regions except for Africa. For Africa, it increases the SW cloud cooling and greatly reduces the LW cloud warming, resulting in net cloud cooling as in other regions instead of warming. The implications of these findings for observational and modeling studies are discussed.

Assessing the potential spread of Zaprionus tuberculatus (Diptera: Drosophilidae) in the Americas: insights for proactive management and agricultural protection.

Invasive species pose significant ecological and economic threats globally. Zaprionus tuberculatus Malloch, a drosophilid fruit fly native to the Afrotropical region and Indian Ocean islands, is included in the pest list of the Center for Agriculture and Bioscience (CABI) because it uses fruit as breeding sites and can damage cultivated areas. This fly species extended its range across Europe in the late 20th century; in 2020, it was recorded in South America, and currently, it is widely distributed in Brazil. Here, we assess the potential spreading of Zaprionus tuberculatus in Central and North America based on 2 distinct origins of propagules: from South America and from Europe. To this end, we developed species distribution models using bioclimatic variables and elevation data to project potentially suitable habitats and infer invasion routes. In any case, our results indicate suitability for Z. tuberculatus colonization in Central and North America, including major fruit-producing areas in Central American countries and the United States (Florida and California). The rapid dispersal ability of Z. tuberculatus, coupled with its adaptability to diverse environments, underscores the urgency for proactive monitoring and control measures. Therefore, this study provides valuable insights for developing proactive measures to mitigate the spread of Z. tuberculatus and protect agricultural productivity in the Americas.

Analysis of free-living seabirds from Brazil as potential hosts of Toxoplasma gondii and serological investigation for antibodies against Leptospira spp.

Dispersal patterns of zoonotic pathogens can be strongly influenced by mobility and contact among hosts. Toxoplasma gondii infection has been documented in many avian species, however, there is little information regarding free-living seabird populations. Leptospira can infect domestic and wild animals, with birds being potential carriers of the bacteria. The continental shelf of the southwestern Atlantic Ocean is a foraging area for seabirds that breed locally, as well as migratory seabirds wintering in the area, which may come into contact with each other in prey aggregation areas and contribute to T. gondii and Leptospira spread. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the prevalence of two important zoonotic pathogens in free-living seabirds. Blood samples were collected from 322 birds of three local breeders (Phaethon aethereus, Sula leucogaster and S. dactylatra) in the eastern coast of Brazil (Abrolhos Archipelago), and two migratory species using the area during the pre-laying (Pterodroma arminjoniana) and the non-breeding periods (Thalassarche chlororhynchos). Serological agglutination tests for detection of anti-Toxoplasma gondii and anti-Leptospira spp. antibodies were performed. None of the seabirds in this study was seroreactive to Leptospira spp., whereas 34.5% (n = 111) of the animals presented antibodies anti-T. gondii. Antibody titers in seropositive birds ranged from 10 to 640. There were seropositive birds in all sampled localities. This study provides the first records for P. arminjoniana and T. chlororhynchos as seropositive to T. gondii, suggesting their potential role as sentinels for the environmental contamination by T. gondii and also T. gondii infection. These findings indicate the circulation of the parasite in the Brazilian coastal and oceanic regions, probably due to the ingestion of T. gondii oocysts by birds, the epidemiological involvement of migratory birds as hosts of pathogens, as well as the role of the historical introduction of invasive vertebrates on Brazilian islands. Therefore, due to the serological evidence of infection, the dynamics of toxoplasmosis in seabirds, regarding their susceptibility towards the disease and the possible anthropogenic influence need to be better understood for the colonies to be included in the wildlife cycle of T. gondii.

Molecular phylogeny, morphology and distribution of Amphitetras antediluviana Ehrenberg from the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov

The intriguing large-celled species of Amphitetras antediluviana Ehrenberg was originally described as a fossil species (Ehrenberg, 1840), but later noted in a living state in various regions of the World ocean. Our recent studies revealed that the species has been found for the last decade in significant numbers in many habitats along the coast of the Azov-Black Sea basin. Two strains—the large valves from Laspi Bay, the Black Sea (BL-5_12092019) and the small valves from the Sea of Azov (AZ-12_24122019)—were isolated and analyzed using light and scanning electron microscopy along with molecular-genetic investigation. Specimens of the two populations differ in valve sizes and structure, however, their belonging to the same species was confirmed with the help of molecular analysis. Taxonomic positions of the strains of A. antediluviana isolated from two marine waterbodies were clarified. In addition, we provided a detailed morphological diagnosis of the species with a description of the valve ultrastructure and its elements, as well as geographical distribution and taxonomic history.

Behavior and Energy of the M2 Internal Tide in the Madagascar–Mascarene Region

Internal tides serve as essential intermediate steps in the cascading of oceanic energy, playing a crucial role in oceanic mixing. M2 internal tides are the dominant tidal constituent in many oceanic regions, significantly influencing ocean dynamics. The Madagascar–Mascarene Region has high-energy internal tides, but due to a lack of observational studies, their propagation remains underexplored and warrants further investigation. In this study, we used satellite altimetry data to capture the sea surface manifestation of the first-mode M2 internal tides in the region. The results show that the Mascarene Plateau plays a key role in shaping the region’s uneven internal tide distribution. The Mascarene Strait is the most intense generation area, with an east-west energy flux of 1.42 GW. Using the internal tidal energy concentration index, we decomposed the internal tidal beams, finding the primary beam oriented at 148°. These beams propagate outward for over 800 km, with a maximum distance exceeding 1000 km. Geostrophic currents intensify the northward refraction of westward-propagating internal tides in the Mascarene Basin, particularly between 15°S and 20°S.

Possible Missing Sources of Atmospheric Glyoxal Part II: Oxidation of Toluene Derived from the Primary Production of Marine Microorganisms.

Glyoxal has been implicated as a significant contributor to the formation of secondary organic aerosols, which play a key role in our ability to estimate the impact of aerosols on climate. Elevated concentrations of glyoxal over open ocean waters suggest that there exists an additional source, different from urban and forest environments, which has yet to be identified. Based on mass spectrometric analyses of nascent sea spray aerosols (SSAs) and gas-phase molecules generated during the course of a controlled algal bloom, the work herein suggests that marine microorganisms are capable of excreting toluene in response to environmental stimuli. Additional culture flask experiments demonstrated that pathogenic attack could also serve as a trigger for toluene formation. Using solid-phase microextraction methods, the comparison of samples collected up-channel and over the breaking wave suggests it was transferred across the air-water interface primarily through SSA formation. The presence and then absence of phenylacetic acid in the SSA days prior to the appearance of toluene support previous reports that proposed toluene is produced as a metabolite of phenylalanine through the Shikimate pathway. As a result, once in the atmosphere, toluene is susceptible to oxidation and subsequent degradation into glyoxal. This work adds to a minimal collection of literature that addresses the primary production of aromatic hydrocarbons from marine microorganisms and provides a potential missing source of glyoxal that should be considered when accounting for its origins in remote ocean regions.

Phased chromosome-level genome provides insights into the molecular adaptation for migratory lifestyle and population diversity for Pacific saury, Cololabis saira

The Pacific saury (Cololabis saira) is a pelagic fish commonly found in the North Pacific Ocean. Its population diversity and migratory lifestyle have long captured global attention. Despite the inherent complexity of the C. saira genome, characterized by extremely high heterozygosity, we successfully assembled a phased chromosome-level genome. The genome analysis revealed the expansion and natural selection of numerous functional genes, likely contributing to its enduring and extensive migratory lifestyle. Notably, gpr35 and igh genes showed significant expansion in the C. saira genome, potentially associated with regulating the immune response against environmental parasites and pathogens. Moreover, genes involved in DNA repair/replication and peroxisome function, including atm, ercc6, pex14, and pex16, displayed evidence of positive selection. Based on genome-sequencing of 80 individuals from eight sampling sites, we demonstrated that the genomic divergence among C. saira populations is relatively low. However, the sampling sites could be grouped into two distinct clusters, roughly corresponding to the migratory route of C. saira. This suggests a possible genome-wide divergence for C. saira within the open ocean region. Furthermore, the trmu gene, responsible for controlling otolith development and sharpness, exhibited differentiation between the two groups, consistent with previously reported differences in otolith morphology. This study has provided a reference genome and insights into the evolution, ecology, and conservation of Pacific saury and closely-related species.

Methods and Evaluation of AI-Based Meteorological Models for Zenith Tropospheric Delay Prediction

Zenith Tropospheric Delay (ZTD) is a significant error source affecting the accuracy of certain space geodetic measurements. This study evaluates the performance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) based meteorological models, such as Fengwu and Pangu, in estimating real-time ZTD. The results from these AI models were compared with those obtained from the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), the fifth-generation European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) Atmospheric Reanalysis (ERA5), and the third generation of the Global Pressure–Temperature data model (GPT3) to assess their accuracy across different time intervals, seasons, and geographic locations. The findings reveal that AI-driven models, particularly Fengwu, offer higher long-term forecasting accuracy. An analysis of data from 81 stations throughout 2023 indicates that Fengwu’s 7-day ZTD forecast achieved an RMSE of 2.85 cm when compared to GNSS-derived ZTD. However, in oceanic regions and areas with complex climatic dynamics, the Fengwu model exhibited a larger error compared to in other land regions. Additionally, seasonal variations and station altitude were found to influence the accuracy of ZTD predictions, emphasizing the need for detailed modeling in complex climatic zones.

A semi-automated method using object-based image analysis (OBIA) to detect and enumerate beluga whales in summer from very high-resolution (VHR) satellite imagery.

Very high-resolution (VHR) satellite imagery has proven to be useful for detection of large to medium cetaceans, such as odontocetes and offers some significant advantages over traditional detection methods. However, the significant time investment needed to manually read satellite imagery is currently a limiting factor to use this method across large open ocean regions. The objective of this study is to develop a semi-automated detection method using object-based image analysis to identify beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas) in open water (summer) ocean conditions in the Arctic using panchromatic WorldView-3 satellite imagery and compare the detection time between human read and algorithm detected imagery. The false negative rate, false positive rate, and automated count deviation were used to assess the accuracy and reliability of various algorithms for reading training and test imagery. The best algorithm, which used spectral mean and texture variance attributes, detected no false positives and the false negative rate was low (<4%). This algorithm was able to accurately and reliably identify all the whales detected by experienced readers in the ice-free panchromatic image. The autodetection algorithm does have difficulty separately identifying whales that are perpendicular to one another, whales below the surface, and may use multiple segments to define a whale. As a result, for determining counts of whales, a reader should manually review the automated results. However, object-based image analysis offers a viable solution for processing large amounts of satellite imagery for detecting medium-sized beluga whales while eliminating all areas of the imagery which are whale-free. This algorithm could be adapted for detecting other cetaceans in ice-free water.

UTHP spectrometer: an ultra-thin and high-performance imaging spectrometer for ocean color remote sensing in broadband

The principle of ocean color detection involves using satellite sensors to capture variations in received signals, which are subsequently analyzed to infer the concentrations of various components responsible for ocean color changes. In recent years, significant research advancements have been achieved, centered on the development of ocean color detectors and the analysis of the resulting data. We have developed an innovative ultra-thin high-performance (UTHP) scanning imaging spectrometer for ocean color remote sensing across the near ultraviolet-visible-near infrared (NUV-VIS-NIR) spectrum. This spectrometer overcomes the bulkiness of conventional equipment by integrating a waveguide platform that replaces traditional optical elements with a single flat glass panel, featuring curved surfaces and high-reflectivity coatings to perform essential optical functions. We believe this to be a novel design that greatly reduces the size and weight of the device, making it highly suitable for deployment on various platforms, including aircraft and satellites. The optical system underwent extensive testing, including simulations using Zemax software and physical prototyping, achieving a spectral resolution of less than 3 nm across the 400-1000 nm waveband while maintaining low distortion. The UTHP spectrometer’s compactness, lightweight design, and exceptional performance mark a significant advancement in imaging spectrometry, with the potential to transform remote sensing by providing more efficient, accessible methods for studying expansive oceanic regions.

Isolate-anchored comparisons reveal evolutionary and functional differentiation across SAR86 marine bacteria.

SAR86 is one of the most abundant groups of bacteria in the global surface ocean. However, since its discovery over 30years ago, it has remained recalcitrant to isolation and many details regarding this group are still unknown. Here we report the cellular characteristics from the first SAR86 isolate brought into culture, Magnimaribacter mokuoloeensis strain HIMB1674, and use its closed genome in concert with over 700 environmental genomes to assess the phylogenomic and functional characteristics of this order-level lineage of marine Gammaproteobacteria. The SAR86 order Magnimaribacterales invest significant genomic resources into the capacity for $\beta$-oxidation, which is present in most genomes in high gene copy numbers. This cyclical set of reactions appears to be fed by components of cell membranes that include lipids such as phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, glycolipids, and sulfolipids. In addition to the widespread capacity to degrade the side chain of steroidal compounds via $\beta$-oxidation, several SAR86 sublineages also appear able to fully degrade the steroid polycyclic ring structure as well as other aromatic, polycyclic, and heterocyclic molecules. Read recruitment from publicly available metagenomes reveals that the Magnimaribacterales compose up to 6% of the global surface ocean microbial community. Only a subset of genera drive these high relative abundances, with some more globally dominant and others restricted to specific oceanic regions. This study provides an unprecedented foundation through which to understand this highly abundant yet poorly understood lineage of marine bacteria, and charts a path to bring more representatives of this order into laboratory culture.

Thermal Characteristics of the Extreme Cases of Tropopause Over the Tropics

ABSTRACTThe anomalous variability of extreme cases of the tropical tropopause provides insight into the stratosphere‐troposphere exchange process crucial for understanding climate change. The present study analyses the extreme variability of the tropopause and its thermal structure over the tropics using GPS radio occultation data over the period 2006–2019. The extremely cold and warm tropopauses and extremely high and low tropopauses are identified based on the cold point tropopause temperature and height, respectively, when their values exceed two standard deviations with respect to their climatological means. The analyses revealed frequent occurrence of extreme cases of tropopause over the Atlantic Ocean compared to the Western Pacific Ocean. Individually, extremely warm and low cases occur more frequently over the subtropics, while extremely cold and high cases occur frequently over the deep tropics. These extreme cases pose different thermal structures bounded within the extremely low and high tropopauses throughout the tropics. The height difference between the extremely high and low tropopause cases is wider over the Atlantic Ocean and adjoining areas compared to the western Pacific Ocean. The temperature difference between the extremely warm and cold tropopause cases is higher in the Atlantic, Central Pacific, and Indonesian regions compared to the American, Indian Ocean, and western Pacific Ocean regions. The relationship between the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phases and extreme tropopause cases is also investigated which reveals a higher occurrence of extremely high tropopause cases during the El Niño phase while low tropopause cases during the La Niña phase. Our analysis also revealed the thermal patterns of the extreme cases characterising colder and sharper tropopause over the convective regions compared to subsidence regions.

Intensification of a rain system imparted by Mediterranean mesoscale eddies

Ocean mesoscale eddies, with 20-300\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$20-300$$\\end{document} km size, present in energetic regions of the global ocean, are known to impact local and remote atmospheric weather. The impact of eddies in the Mediterranean Sea on the local weather, however, remains largely unknown. Here, we study this impact during an extreme weather event observed over Israel on January 8-10\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$8-10$$\\end{document}, 2020, resulting in heavy rains and floods. To do so, we designed a set of coupled and forced numerical simulations with a horizontal resolution of 5 km in both ocean and atmosphere. The coupled simulation successfully reproduces the main characteristics of the torrential rains observed during the event, whereas the forced simulations exhibit poorer performance. Our results emphasize the importance of mesoscale air-sea coupling in supplying moisture to the atmosphere, via mechanisms involving both sea surface temperature and surface currents associated with sea eddies. Extreme weather events are intensified by the Mediterranean Sea eddies, especially through atmospheric meso-cyclones.

Geopolitical Competition Between India and China in the Indian Ocean Region: The Case of Myanmar

The 21st century has witnessed an intensification of the strategic rivalry between India and China, particularly in the Indian Ocean region, stemming from long-standing historical contradictions over border disputes and the competition for control over vital maritime trade routes crisscrossing the ocean. This rivalry has profoundly impacted the political and security landscape of countries within the region. Myanmar, being a pivotal geo-strategic location bordering both these powers, has emerged as a crucible for this competitive dynamic, wherein India and China are vying for influence and strategic leverage. This paper seeks to elucidate the nuanced position, role, and extent of competition between India and China in Myanmar. It delves into the multifaceted nature of this rivalry, encompassing not only geopolitical considerations but also economic interests and ideological underpinnings. The analysis underscores how the contradictions, conflicts, and divergent political-economic calculations of these two influential powers in the Indian Ocean region have manifested in a complex web of geopolitical competition within Myanmar. Through a rigorous examination of the historical context, contemporary developments, and the interplay of various factors shaping this dynamic, the paper aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the underlying drivers, strategies, and potential implications of India and China's competitive engagement in Myanmar. Ultimately, it concludes that the persistent tensions and power projections by these two major powers in the Indian Ocean have inevitably spilled over into the realm of Myanmar, rendering it a pivotal battleground for their strategic aspirations and regional influence. Received: 18 June 2024 / Accepted: 31 October 2024 / Published: 05 November 2024

Integrated Theatre Command: Strategic Synergy between the Armed Forces of India

The changing dynamics of the modern warfare, advancement of critical and emerging technology, changing geopolitical scenario and political instability in the neighboring countries, for example, the situations in Bangladesh, Myanmar and Sri Lanka. Further, the evolving multidimensional security challenges from multiple fronts such as the border dispute with Pakistan and China, standoffs in India-China borders, presence of Chinese Navy in the Indian Ocean Region, Geo-Political influence of China in Maldives’s Government and Sri Lankan Government are posing significant threat to the India’s National Security, Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity. To address these security challenges and potential threat from multiple fronts such as Land, Air, Surface water, Underwater, Space and Cyber, an integrated approach is needed for effectively countering the multidimensional security challenges emerging from multiple fronts in multi domains. Therefore, an integration of armed forces and strategic synergy between the armed forces of India is paramount important for India’s National Security and Interest. This gives special impetus towards the creation of an Integrated Theatre Command in India. Further, an integrated Theatre Command is crucial for tackling the multidimensional defence challenges in future.