Bhubaneswar: India Meteorological Department’s (IMD) journal ‘Mausam’ has chosen a research paper by Odia scientist Swadhin Behera as the ‘Best Research Paper’ of the month.Behera (60), a resident of Chatrapur in Ganjam district, is a principal researcher at Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC). He completed his postgraduate studies in marine science and PhD from Berhampur University.A leading climate scientist and physical oceanographer at JAMSTEC, Behera’s research focuses on understanding how oceans and the atmosphere interact to influence climate variability, monsoon rainfall and extreme weather events.His key areas of work include the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD), climate prediction, air-sea interactions and application of climate science to societal challenges. His studies have helped improve understanding of how ocean conditions affect monsoon behaviour across Asia, including India.Behera currently serves as counsellor for international relations and principal researcher at JAMSTEC. He is also associated with Nagasaki University and University of Tokyo as a visiting professor, contributing to research and academic collaboration in climate and ocean sciences. His work has played an important role in advancing climate forecasting and disaster preparedness.His research paper, “The Indo-Pacific climate dynamics and teleconnections with a special emphasis on the Indian summer monsoon rainfall,” was published in Mausam in 2019.The paper stated that large-scale climate events in the Pacific and Indian oceans have a strong influence on India’s monsoon rainfall. It explains how phenomena such as El Niño, La Niña and the Indian Ocean Dipole affect the timing and intensity of rainfall over the country.According to the research, El Niño years are often associated with below-normal monsoon rainfall and a higher risk of drought in many parts of India. In contrast, La Niña conditions generally bring better rainfall and can support agricultural production.The study also found that the Indian Ocean Dipole can sometimes reduce the negative effects of El Niño. Even when Pacific Ocean conditions are unfavourable, a positive Indian Ocean Dipole may help maintain normal or near-normal monsoon rainfall in India.The researcher stressed that understanding these climate patterns is important for improving monsoon forecasts. More accurate predictions can help farmers, water managers and govts prepare for droughts, floods and other weather-related challenges, reducing economic losses and improving disaster preparedness, the study said.