Indian Ocean may strengthen El Nino, scientists identify link
CNN Central News and Networks / ITDC India ePress / ITDC News / Agencies, Bhopal:
Changes in sea surface temperatures in the Indian Ocean can make the Pacific Ocean’s El Nino event more powerful. Scientists have identified a link between the Indian Ocean Dipole and El Nino that, under certain conditions, can help turn a normal El Nino into an extremely powerful “super El Nino”. The discovery is expected to improve monitoring and forecasting of extreme weather events in the future.
According to the study, when the western part of the Indian Ocean becomes warmer than normal and the eastern part relatively cooler, it is called a positive Indian Ocean Dipole. This temperature difference affects atmospheric circulation and wind patterns. It can strengthen westerly winds in the western part of the equatorial Pacific Ocean.
These winds generate special waves within the ocean, which help carry warm water towards the eastern Pacific. As a result, sea surface temperatures can rise and an already active El Nino can gain additional strength.
Researchers also studied the presence of a positive Indian Ocean Dipole during the powerful El Nino events of 1972, 1982 and 1997. However, scientists have clarified that every positive dipole does not produce a super El Nino. The Pacific Ocean’s own conditions and other climate factors also determine its intensity.
This research may help climate scientists understand how interactions between oceans affect weather, rainfall and temperatures around the world.
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