It is a tropical intraseasonal (30-60 days) fluctuation in atmospheric circulation and rainfall, moving eastward around the equator. It was discovered by Roland Madden and Paul Julian in the 1970s.
In its active phase, it results in enhanced rainfall, rising air motion, low-pressure anomalies and in its suppressive phase, it results in suppressed rainfall, sinking air motion and high-pressure anomalies.
Significance:
1.When the MJO is over the Indian Ocean, it enhances monsoon rainfall over India.
2.When it shifts towards the Pacific, it can suppress monsoon activity
3.Cyclone formation is favorable during active MJO phases.
