The operation of a total of 5 research cruises will be undertaken this Department of Ocean Development to study the role of greenhouse gases in changing atmospheric temperature. Oceans and seabeds are known to be good sinks for absorbing greenhouse gases.

The Indian team is part of the Joint Global Ocean Flux Studies which undertakes research in monitoring Earth's temperature and the effects of various greenhouse gases.

The cruises will enable researchers to gather data on production and distribution of micro-organisms, and concentrations of carbonate and organic compounds in sea water. Information on the amount of oxygen dissolved in saline water would also be used to calculate quantities of carbon dioxide and other gases in the sea.