Impact of tropical cyclone Biparjoy on oceanic parameters in the Arabian Sea

Climate change is expected to intensify tropical cyclones (TCs), requiring a deeper understanding of their ecosystem impacts. This study investigated TC Biparjoy impact on parameters from June 6 to 19, 2023, using satellite and vertical profiles. Initially, Chlorophyll-a levels remained steady but surged above 4 mg/m³ after the high-intensity phase, indicating increased phytoplankton biomass. Sea surface temperature (SST) initially exceeded 32 °C, favoring cyclone intensification, but dropped below 26 °C post-high-intensity phase due to mixing and upwelling of cooler waters. The SST gradient exceeded 0.15 °C/km post-cyclone. Elevated sea surface height around 0.5 m offshore and over 1 m along the coast was recorded. Wind stress values exceeding 0.4 N/m³ were observed during the high-intensity phase. Vertical profile showed uplifted low-temperature, nutrient-rich waters, enhancing phytoplankton productivity, supported by increased nitrate (>10 mmol/m³) and phosphate (>1.2 mmol/m³) levels. Additionally, slight increase in DIC, and pH during the cyclone period suggested changes in biogeochemical processes.