Answer:
The Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) is an important ocean-atmospheric phenomenon characterized by differences in sea surface temperature (SST) between the western (African coast) and eastern (Indonesian coast) Indian Ocean.
IMPACT:
- In a Positive IOD, the western part is warmer, strengthening the Indian monsoon and increasing rainfall.
- In a Negative IOD, the eastern part becomes warmer, leading to a weaker monsoon and possible drought conditions.
- It influences the intensity, timing, and spatial distribution of the southwest monsoon.
- It can modulate the effects of ENSO (El Niño/La Niña).
- It impacts agriculture, water resources, and disaster management (floods/droughts).
- Recent trends indicate increasing frequency due to climate change, and IMD includes IOD in monsoon forecasting.