UPSC CSE Prelims
Question 19
With reference to 'Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD)' sometimes mentioned in the news while forecasting Indian monsoon, which of the following statements is/are correct?
- IOD phenomenon is characterised by a difference in sea surface temperature between tropical Western Indian Ocean and tropical Eastern Pacific Ocean.
- An IOD phenomenon can influence an El Nino's impact on the monsoon.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
View correct answer and explanation
Correct answer: B
Correct Option: B
Explanation: The Indian Ocean Dipole measures contrasting sea-surface temperatures in the western and eastern *Indian* Ocean. Positive/negative IOD phases can modulate El Niño’s influence on India’s monsoon.
Statement/Pair-wise Analysis:
Statement/Item 1: Incorrect - The eastern pole is near Indonesia in the equatorial Indian Ocean, not in the eastern Pacific Ocean.
Statement/Item 2: Correct - IOD-related Indian Ocean conditions can strengthen or offset the monsoon effects of ENSO/El Niño.
Option-wise Analysis:
A: Incorrect - includes incorrect statement/item 1; omits correct statement/item 2.
B: Correct - includes all and only the true statements/items.
C: Incorrect - includes incorrect statement/item 1.
D: Incorrect - omits correct statement/item 2.