Figure 9 – Indian Ocean Dipole

The IOD is one aspect of the general cycle of global climate, interacting with similar phenomena like the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) in the Pacific Ocean. Positive and negative IOD both has been seen coupled with La Nina. Thus, there is no direct correlation between IOD and ENSO.

The IOD also affects the strength of monsoons over the Indian subcontinent. Positive IOD which is associated with warm sea-surface temperatures of western Indian Ocean is favourable for monsoon in Indian subcontinent.