Abstract : Characteristics of North Indian Ocean tropical cyclones are discussed from a combined climatological, composite, and individual-case perspective. Presented are both a general discussion of the monthly climatology of these spring/autumn tropical cyclones and a comparison of their strucutre, genesis, intensity, and movement with these qualities of northwest Pacific Ocean tropical cyclones. Detailed individual case analyses are made of each North Indian Ocean tropical cyclone that occurred during the First Global GARP Experiment (FGGE) period. Each tropical cyclone's characteristics from genesis to decay are discussed. All data sources of the FGGE year period were consulted, including the analysis of the European Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF).