Geography2017
With reference to ‘Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD)’ sometimes mentioned in the news while forecasting Indian monsoon, which of the following statements is/are correct?
- The IOD phenomenon is characterised by a difference
- An IOD phenomenon can influence an El Nino’s impact
on the monsoon. Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Explanation
The correct option is 2 only. The Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) is characterized by a difference in sea surface temperatures between the tropical Western and Eastern Indian Ocean, not the Eastern Pacific Ocean. The IOD plays a crucial role in influencing monsoon patterns in India, particularly by modulating the impact of El Niño events; for instance, a positive IOD can help mitigate the adverse effects of an El Niño on Indian monsoon rainfall, leading to improved precipitation levels. This interaction is critical for understanding climate variability and its implications for agriculture and water resources in India, which is pertinent for UPSC Prelims.
