Topic: Salient features of world’s physical geography.
Q2. Explain the mechanism of the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD). Analyse its interaction with ENSO and its implications for the Indian summer monsoon. (15 M)
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: TH
Why the question
The Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) is in the news due to concerns over its interaction with a forecast Super El Niño (2026) and its potential influence on the Indian summer monsoon.Key Demand of the question
The question requires explaining the mechanism of the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD). It also asks to analyse its interaction with ENSO and examine the implications of this interaction for the Indian summer monsoon.Structure of the Answer:
Introduction
Introduce the IOD as a major ocean-atmosphere phenomenon influencing climate variability over the Indian Ocean and the Indian monsoon.
Body
- Mechanism of IOD: Explain how the IOD develops and operates through sea surface temperature and atmospheric circulation changes.
- IOD–ENSO interaction: Analyse how IOD interacts with ENSO and influences each other’s effects on the monsoon.
- Implications for the Indian summer monsoon: Discuss the impact of their interaction on rainfall variability, agriculture, water resources and disaster risk.
Conclusion
Conclude by highlighting the need for improved understanding of coupled ocean-atmosphere systems to enhance monsoon prediction and climate resilience.
