Discuss the increasing frequency of "Super Cyclones" in the Bay of Bengal and the role of rising Sea Surface Temperatures (SST).

The Bay of Bengal is becoming a hotspot for Super Cyclones. Earlier, these intense storms were rare, but now they happen more often. A Super Cyclone is a very strong tropical storm with wind speeds over 222 km/h. The main reason behind this change is Global Warming, which is heating up our oceans.

Role of Sea Surface Temperature (SST)

The temperature of the sea water acts as fuel for a cyclone. Here is how it works in simple steps:

• Thermal Energy: Cyclones need warm water (above 26.5°C) to form. Today, the Bay of Bengal often records temperatures near 30°C to 32°C.
• Rapid Intensification: When the water is very hot, it creates a lot of moisture and heat. This allows a weak storm to quickly turn into a Super Cyclone in a very short time.
• Low Vertical Wind Shear: The warm atmosphere over the Bay of Bengal helps the storm stay stable and upright, allowing it to grow huge and powerful.

Impact on Odisha

For a state like Odisha, this is a big challenge. Higher SST means storms like Amphan or Fani carry more water, leading to heavy rainfall and dangerous storm surges (sea water entering the land) along the coast.

Conclusion

In short, the rising Sea Surface Temperatures are making the Bay of Bengal more dangerous. To protect our people and coastal economy, we must focus on climate-resilient infrastructure and better early warning systems. Reducing carbon emissions is the only long-term way to cool down our oceans and slow down these Super Cyclones.