Understanding El Nino and La Nina

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What is El Niño?

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A warming of the ocean surface in the central and eastern tropical Pacific.

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Characteristic of La Niña?

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Cooler ocean temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific.

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How does El Niño typically affect weather patterns in Australia?

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It causes drier than average conditions.

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During a La Niña event, what is the typical impact on Australia's weather?

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Increased rainfall and potential flooding.

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What is the Southern Oscillation Index (SOI) used for?

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Indicating the strength and phase of El Niño and La Niña events.

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Common effect of El Niño on global weather patterns?

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Decreased rainfall in the western Pacific and Australia.

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What typically happens to the trade winds during an El Niño event?

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They weaken or reverse direction.

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Potential impact of La Niña on the Pacific Ocean?

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Increased upwelling of cold water in the eastern Pacific.