ESS513 Influence on NC Weather Part 3: El Nino and La Nina

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What is El Niño?

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El Niño is a climate pattern characterized by warmer than normal ocean temperatures in the Pacific Ocean, which can disrupt weather patterns globally.

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What are the effects of El Niño on North Carolina's weather?

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El Niño typically causes decreased temperatures and increased precipitation in North Carolina.

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What ocean is primarily affected by El Niño?

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The Pacific Ocean.

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What is La Niña?

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La Niña is a climate pattern characterized by cooler than normal ocean temperatures in the Pacific Ocean, often leading to opposite weather effects compared to El Niño.

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How does El Niño affect hurricane formation?

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El Niño usually leads to fewer hurricanes forming in the Atlantic Ocean due to increased wind shear.

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What is the Jet Stream?

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The Jet Stream is a fast-flowing air current in the atmosphere that influences weather patterns.

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What is the Gulf Stream?

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The Gulf Stream is a warm ocean current that originates in the Gulf of Mexico and flows into the Atlantic Ocean, affecting climate in the eastern United States.

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What weather conditions are associated with La Niña?

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La Niña is often associated with increased hurricane activity in the Atlantic and drier conditions in the southern United States.

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What is the role of trade winds in El Niño?

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Trade winds are weakened during El Niño, allowing warm water to accumulate in the central and eastern Pacific.

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How does El Niño impact winter precipitation in North Carolina?

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El Niño causes an increase in winter precipitation in North Carolina.