Indian Ocean Dipole

The Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) is a climate phenomenon characterized by variations in sea surface temperatures in the Indian Ocean. It can have two phases: a positive phase, where the western Indian Ocean warms and the eastern part cools, leading to wetter conditions in some regions and drier in others; and a negative phase, which has the opposite effect. The IOD influences weather patterns, including monsoons in South Asia and rainfall in countries like Indonesia and Australia, impacting agriculture, water supply, and local ecosystems. Understanding the IOD is crucial for predicting seasonal weather changes in affected areas.