ENSO Cycle

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What is the ENSO cycle?

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The ENSO (El Niño-Southern Oscillation) cycle is a periodic fluctuation in sea surface temperatures and atmospheric conditions in the equatorial Pacific Ocean, affecting global weather patterns.

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What are the two main phases of the ENSO cycle?

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The two main phases are El Niño and La Niña.

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What is El Niño?

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El Niño is a phase of the ENSO cycle characterized by warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean, leading to significant weather changes globally.

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What is La Niña?

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La Niña is a phase of the ENSO cycle characterized by cooler-than-average sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean, often resulting in opposite weather patterns to El Niño.

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How do trade winds affect the ENSO cycle?

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Trade winds are easterly winds that influence ocean currents and temperatures; during El Niño, these winds weaken, while during La Niña, they strengthen.

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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, often occurring along coastlines and influenced by ocean currents.

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Which region typically experiences drought during El Niño?

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Indonesia typically experiences drought during El Niño due to altered weather patterns.

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What is the impact of El Niño on global weather?

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El Niño can lead to increased rainfall in some regions (like the southern U.S.) and drought in others (like Australia and Indonesia).

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What is the impact of La Niña on global weather?

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La Niña often results in wetter conditions in the western Pacific and drier conditions in the eastern Pacific, affecting rainfall patterns worldwide.

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How does the ENSO cycle influence marine life?

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The ENSO cycle affects ocean temperatures and nutrient availability, impacting marine ecosystems and fish populations.