El nino and La nina Flashcards
(4 cards)
El nino
unusual warming of surface waters in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean.
El Niño is the “warm phase” of a larger phenomenon called the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO).
occurs in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean.
normal easterly trade winds weaken, allowing warm water to move eastward, impacting upwelling along the South American coast.
leads to rising air over the eastern Pacific and descending air over the western Pacific
causes significant changes in weather patterns globally, including increased rainfall in some regions and drought in others, depending on location.
Occurs every 2-7 years
La nina
weather pattern that occurs due to the periodic cooling of sea surface temperature in the equatorial Pacific Ocean dropping below average
It’s the cold phase of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) cycle
occurs when sea surface temperatures drop by 3–5° C
cooler and drier weather in the tropical eastern Pacific
marked by stronger eastward trade winds, which push warm water toward Asia
marked by increased upwelling off the west coast of the Americas, bringing cold, nutrient-rich water to the surface
What are the consequences of El Niño?
Increased rainfall and flooding in South America, Africa and the south of the US
Drought in Australia and Southeast Asia
Has been linked to a higher risk of colder winters in the UK
What are the consequences of La Niña?
Increased rainfall in Australia and Southeast Asia
Drought conditions in the south of the US
Increases the risk of tropical storms in the Atlantic
