El Nino & La Nina

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What is La Niña?

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La Niña is a climate pattern characterized by the cooling of surface ocean waters in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean.

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What is El Niño?

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El Niño is a climate pattern characterized by the warming of surface ocean waters in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean.

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What does ENSO stand for?

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ENSO stands for El Niño-Southern Oscillation, a periodic fluctuation in sea surface temperature and atmospheric pressure in the equatorial Pacific.

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How do El Niño and La Niña affect global weather patterns?

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El Niño and La Niña can significantly influence weather patterns worldwide, affecting rainfall, temperature, and storm activity.

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What is upwelling?

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Upwelling is the process where cold, nutrient-rich water rises to the surface, often supporting marine life.

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What is downwelling?

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Downwelling is the process where surface water sinks, often leading to nutrient depletion in the surface layer.

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How does El Niño impact marine ecosystems?

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El Niño can disrupt marine ecosystems by shutting off upwelling, leading to a decline in nutrients and affecting fish populations.

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What are some effects of La Niña on weather?

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La Niña typically brings wetter conditions to the western Pacific and drier conditions to the eastern Pacific, influencing global weather patterns.

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What is the significance of the thermocline in relation to El Niño and La Niña?

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The thermocline is a layer in the ocean where temperature changes rapidly with depth; its position shifts during El Niño and La Niña events, affecting ocean circulation.

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What role do trade winds play in ENSO events?

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Trade winds are crucial in ENSO events; during El Niño, they weaken or reverse, while during La Niña, they strengthen.