ENSO CHeck

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What is El Niño?

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El Niño is a climate pattern characterized by the warming of ocean surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean, which can disrupt normal weather patterns globally.

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What is La Niña?

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La Niña is a climate pattern that occurs when ocean surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean are cooler than normal, often leading to opposite weather effects compared to El Niño.

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What are trade winds?

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Trade winds are steady winds that flow from east to west in the tropics, playing a crucial role in ocean currents and weather patterns.

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How does El Niño affect marine life?

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El Niño can disrupt upwelling, which brings nutrient-rich waters to the surface, negatively impacting marine ecosystems and fisheries.

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What is upwelling?

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

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What are the effects of a strong El Niño on global weather?

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A strong El Niño can lead to increased rainfall in some regions, droughts in others, and can influence hurricane activity.

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What is the Southern Oscillation?

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The Southern Oscillation is a periodic fluctuation in air pressure over the Pacific Ocean, closely associated with El Niño and La Niña events.

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What is the significance of the Pacific Decadal Oscillation?

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The Pacific Decadal Oscillation is a long-term ocean fluctuation that can influence climate patterns in the Pacific Ocean and affect El Niño and La Niña events.

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How do El Niño and La Niña impact agriculture?

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El Niño can lead to excessive rainfall or droughts, affecting crop yields, while La Niña often brings drier conditions to some regions, impacting agricultural productivity.

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What is the role of ocean currents in climate?

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Ocean currents help distribute heat around the planet, influencing climate and weather patterns, including those associated with El Niño and La Niña.