El Nino and La Nina

Front

What are trade winds?

Back

Winds that blow from east to west

Front

What happens during El Niño?

Back

Trade winds weaken and warm surface water moves eastward

Front

What are the climate impacts of El Niño?

Back

Flooding in the Southern United States and warmer, drier conditions in the Pacific Northwest

Front

What happens during La Niña?

Back

Trade winds strengthen and warm surface water moves eastward

Front

What are the climate impacts of La Niña?

Back

Drought in the Southern United States and cooler temperatures, heavy rains, and flooding in the Pacific Northwest

Front

What is the relationship between El Niño and La Niña?

Back

El Niño and La Niña are opposite phases of a cycle

Front

What can El Niño and La Niña influence?

Back

Extreme weather, food production, water supply, and human health

Front

Impact of El Niño on the jet stream?

Back

Intensification and southward shift

Front

Impact of La Niña on the jet stream?

Back

Intensification and northward shift

Front

What happens when trade winds become stronger than normal?

Back

They blow warm water back into the western Pacific and restart the upwelling of cool water in the eastern Pacific.