The Indian Ocean's sea surface temperatures play a crucial role in shaping regional weather patterns. Warmer waters release heat and moisture into the atmosphere, influencing cloud formation, precipitation, and storm development.

The Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) is a climate phenomenon characterized by alternating phases of warm and cool sea surface temperatures in the western and eastern Indian Ocean. It significantly influences rainfall patterns across the Indian Ocean region.

The Indian Ocean's warm waters during the monsoon season provide moisture that is carried by winds towards South Asia. This results in heavy rainfall and the establishment of the monsoon.

South Asia, particularly the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea, is highly vulnerable to cyclones and storms that originate in the Indian Ocean. These storms can cause significant damage and loss of life.

The warm waters of the Indian Ocean release heat and moisture into the atmosphere, resulting in warm and humid weather conditions along the East African coast.

The Indian Ocean's influence on regional weather can lead to various challenges, including increased frequency and intensity of natural disasters such as cyclones, floods, and droughts.

The Indian Ocean's influence on regional weather affects marine ecosystems in multiple ways, including supporting diverse marine life, causing coral bleaching events due to rising sea temperatures, and contributing to overfishing and habitat destruction.

The Indian Ocean plays a significant role in regulating global climate patterns by influencing atmospheric circulation, affecting the Earth's energy balance, and contributing to the global carbon cycle.

The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) is the primary international organization responsible for coordinating and promoting research and monitoring of the Indian Ocean and other oceans worldwide.

Thermal expansion refers to the increase in volume and subsequent rise in sea levels caused by the expansion of ocean water as it warms due to climate change.