Indian Ocean Dipole:
According to recent reports, Positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) or Indian Nino may re-emerge for the second consecutive year in the latter half of 2024.
- It is for the first time since 1960 that the event is recurring for a second consecutive year since record-keeping began.
- The Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD), also known as the Indian Niño, is an irregular oscillation of sea surface temperatures in which the western Indian Ocean becomes alternately warmer (positive phase) and then colder (negative phase) than the eastern part of the ocean.
- During a positive phase, warm waters are pushed to the Western part of the Indian Ocean, while cold deep waters are brought up to the surface in the Eastern Indian Ocean.
- This pattern is reversed during the negative phase of the IOD.
- The IOD can modulate the impact of El Niño on the Indian monsoon.
- When a positive IOD coincides with an El Niño event, it can partially offset the negative effects of El Niño.
- The IOD influences local weather, causing heavy rains and/or droughts in Africa and Australia.
- Associated sea-level changes can lead to increased threats of coastal flooding and related impacts.
