ElNino & LaNina EnvSci

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What is El Niño?

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A warming of the eastern Pacific Ocean due to weakened trade winds.

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How does El Niño develop?

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El Niño develops when trade winds weaken, allowing warm water to move eastward.

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What is La Niña?

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A cooling of the eastern Pacific Ocean with stronger than normal trade winds.

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How does La Niña affect global weather patterns?

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La Niña can lead to increased rainfall in some regions and drought in others.

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How frequently do El Niño events typically occur?

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Every 2-7 years.

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What is a major impact of El Niño on North American weather?

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Decreased precipitation across all regions.

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How do trade winds affect ocean currents during El Niño?

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They weaken or reverse, allowing warm water to move eastward.

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What are trade winds?

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Persistent winds that blow from east to west in the tropics.

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What is the significance of the Pacific Ocean in El Niño and La Niña?

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The Pacific Ocean is the primary region where these phenomena occur, affecting global weather.

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What are some effects of La Niña on North American weather?

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Typically, La Niña can lead to wetter conditions in the Pacific Northwest and drier conditions in the southern U.S.