Consider the following statements regarding the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) and its teleconnection with Kerala's monsoon rainfall: 1. A positive IOD phase features anomalous warming of the western tropical Indian Ocean and cooling of the eastern tropical Indian Ocean. 2. A positive IOD often helps counteract the suppressing effects of El Niño on Indian monsoons, sustaining rainfall over Kerala. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

💡 Solution & Explanation

Both statements regarding the Indian Ocean Dipole are accurate, as a positive phase involves western warming and eastern cooling that generates atmospheric conditions favorable for monsoon enhancement over the Indian subcontinent. This positive dipole configuration often counteracts the adverse drying impacts typically associated with El Niño events in the region. Understanding this ocean-atmosphere coupling helps meteorologists improve long-range forecasts for seasonal rainfall in southern India.