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Integrated Ocean Information and Forecast SystemMaldives |  |
Indian Ocean Forecast System (INDOFOS)
The Maldives, having a coastline of 644 km, is a tropical nation in the Indian Ocean comprising 26 coral atolls, which are made up of hundreds of islands. It is known for its beaches, blue lagoons and extensive reefs. The water depths just beyond the reefs can drop even upto 2000 m. Maldives being a low lying nation, is under the constant threat of coastal inundation by distantly generated swell waves. There is also a risk of sea water inundation during extreme tides e.g. perigean spring tides. Even though cyclone risk is minimal, the sea conditions are rough during the southwest monsoon season. The island communities (particularly fishermen, ports and harbours, tourism departments, defence, coast guard and shipping), require timely and accurate forecast information on ocean state and marine meteorological parameters.
To cater to these needs, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India developed an integrated high resolution ocean forecasting system for Maldives. The forecast is available to the users three days in advance at 3-6 hour temporal resolution for wind, waves, currents, temperature in map form for the region. These forecasts are updated daily on operational basis. Since the latitudinal extent of these islands is high, these forecasts are again sub-divided conveniently for the user for the Northern, Central and Southern Maldives
In addition, location specific forecast products are available for the following locations
Northern Maldives
- Baa
- Haaalifu
- Hanimadhoo
- Lhaviyani
- Noonu
- Raa
- Shaviyani
Central Maldives
- Alif
- Alif Dhaalu
- Dhaalu
- Hulhule
- Kaafu
- Kadhdhoo
- Meemu
- Thaa
- Vaavu
Southern Maldives
- Gaafu Alifu
- Gaafu Dhaalu
- Gan
- Gnaviyani
- Seenu