With reference to the ‘Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD)’ sometimes mentioned in the news while forecasting the Indian monsoon, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. IOD phenomenon is characterized by a difference in sea surface temperature between the tropical Western Indian Ocean and the tropical Eastern Pacific Ocean. 2. An IOD phenomenon can influence El Nino’s impact on the monsoon. Select the correct answer using the code given below.
- A. 1 only
- B. 2 only
- C. Both 1 and 2
- D. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: B
Explanation
Statement 1 is not correct: The Indian Ocean Dipole is an irregular oscillation of sea-surface temperatures in which the western Indian Ocean becomes alternately warmer and then colder than the eastern part of the ocean. Statement 2 is correct: an IOD can either aggravate or weaken the impact of El Nino on the Indian monsoon. If there is a positive IOD, it can bring good rains to India despite an El Nino year.