Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD)

Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD)

News: The re-emergence of a Positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) or Indian Nino for the second consecutive year in the latter half of 2024 is anticipated.

This marks the first occurrence of this event recurring for a second consecutive year since record-keeping began in 1960.

About:

• The Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) is a climate pattern characterized by irregular oscillations of sea surface temperatures in the Indian Ocean region.

• During a positive phase of the IOD, warm waters are pushed towards the western part of the Indian Ocean, while cold deep waters rise to the surface in the eastern Indian Ocean. This pattern reverses during the negative phase of the IOD.

• Impact: The IOD significantly influences local weather patterns, leading to heavy rains or droughts in regions like Africa and Australia. Sea-level changes associated with IOD can increase the risk of coastal flooding.

• During a positive IOD phase, rainfall increases in the Indian subcontinent and along the African coastline but decreases in Australia, Southeast Asia, and Indonesia.

How it affects India:

• A positive IOD can enhance India\'s southwest monsoon performance, depending on when it develops.
• For instance, in 2019, a strong IOD event that occurred during the late monsoon season compensated for a 30% rainfall deficit in June.
• The development of IOD is likely to benefit the Indian agriculture sector by improving rainfall patterns.
• Additionally, a positive IOD can recharge reservoirs and other water sources, especially where water storage levels are critical or low.