Noctiluca's adaptability to varying conditions, including light and preferred prey types, allows it to thrive in response to the intricate interactions of climate, upwelling, and nutrient dynamics. In fact, Noctiluca is a mixotrophic organism, capable of both photosynthesis and phagotrophy (feeding on other organisms). This means that Noctiluca is highly resilient to environmental changes. 

NOCTILUCA USED TO ONLY THRIVE DURING WINTER MONSOONS 

Winter monsoons enable convective mixing in the oceans. In other words, during winter monsoons, there's a mixing of water layers in the ocean (with cooler waters sinking to the bottom). This, in turn, can affect the atmospheric and oceanic circulation patterns. This mixing redistributes nutrients. Some areas may experience an influx of nutrients, while others may see a decrease. The redistribution of nutrients can impact the nutrient supply for algae.

NOW, NOCTILUCA THRIVES IN STRONG AND DELAYED SUMMER MONSOONS

Summer monsoons are characterized by heavy rainfall. The runoff from land during these rains introduces additional nutrients into coastal waters. The rainfall and subsequent nutrient input create favorable conditions for algae growth. Rainfall contributes to the physical mixing of water in lakes, rivers, and oceans. This mixing helps distribute nutrients more uniformly throughout the water column, providing a more favorable environment for Noctiluca algae growth.

As temperatures rise, more water evaporates from the ocean surface. This moisture-laden air rises, creating a low-pressure zone that draws in moist air from surrounding areas. This surge in water vapor in the atmosphere eventually translates into heavier rainfall during the monsoon season. The warming of the oceans, thus, sets the stage for a more robust and intense monsoon experience. The climatic symphony doesn’t just amplify the monsoon; it introduces variations in timing and intensity. Climate change can lead to delayed onset and more forceful monsoons. Picture this: the atmosphere, charged with moisture from warmer seas, culminates in a delayed but powerful downpour, a manifestation of the changing climate's impact on monsoon dynamics. The intensified winds play a crucial role in elevating surface waters' nutrient content. This enrichment, a consequence of the upwelling process, acts as a nutrient banquet for algae. Lastly, summer seasons allow for the melting permafrost, which furthers convective mixing anf nutrient redistribution, also leading to the boom of Noctiluca.

THE RISKS OF STAGNANT WATERS 

The Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) is another climate phenomenon that can influence monsoons. Positive IOD events, where the western Indian Ocean is warmer than the eastern part, are linked to weaker monsoons in certain areas. Weak monsoons can contribute to stagnant water conditions, reducing water mixing. In stagnant conditions, nutrients from natural sources (like decaying organic matter) and human activities (such as agriculture runoff) tend to accumulate near the surface. Algae, like other plants, need nutrients for growth. When nutrients accumulate near the surface due to weak monsoons and stagnant water, it creates a more nutrient-rich environment. Algae near the surface, where light is more abundant, can take advantage of these nutrient-rich conditions to undergo photosynthesis and proliferate.