Gibbs.El Nino and La Nina (1)
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University of Kansas *
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104
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Geography
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Feb 20, 2024
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docx
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Module 04, Activity 02
GEOG 104: Principles of Physical Geography
The Impact of El Niño and La Niña
Learning Objectives
This exercise is designed to illustrate how sensitive the Earth's climate system is to ocean surface temperature. In your reading, you were introduced to a unique ocean-
climate condition called El Niño & La Niña or ENSO. These conditions lead to important climatic effects all over the globe.
Background
First you need to know how El Niño/La Niña is defined. On September 30
th
, 2003, the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and other researchers reached a consensus to more clearly define these events.
In the Equatorial Pacific Ocean (120W-170W, 5N-5S), “Normal” sea surface temperatures are defined as the average temperature over years 1971-2000.
El Niño exists if sea surface temperatures measured over a 3-month period are 0.5° warmer
than normal
.
La Niña exists if sea surface temperatures measured over a 3-month period are 0.5° cooler
than normal
.
Part I. What is El Niño
?
Use information you can find on the following website
http://www.pmel.noaa.gov/tao/elnino/nino-home.html
to write a BRIEF summary (less than 100 words) describing wind circulation and characteristics of the Pacific Ocean during El Niño events.
During El Niño, the wind circulation in the Pacific Ocean becomes weaker. Trade winds that usually push warm surface waters towards the western Pacific lessen which allows warm water to build up in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean. This results in the disruption of the typical climate patterns, leading to more rainfall and warmer sea temperatures along the western coast of South America and drier conditions in the western Pacific.
Review the map shown above. Summarize the impact on North American climate during
the winter months (Dec-Feb) due to El Niño according to this map. How does this change during the summer months?
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There were warm temperatures in the upper region on the western coast which created
humid and wet conditions in the lower latitudes. In the summer, there is less influence so the climate stays consistent.
Using the same map, what is the impact on Australia's conditions (Dec-Feb)?
The winds from the Pacific Ocean and Southeast Asia mix and make Australia dry.
Part II. What is La Niña
?
Use information you can find on the following website
http://www.pmel.noaa.gov/tao/elnino/nino-home.html
to write a BRIEF summary (less than 100 words) describing wind circulation and characteristics of the Pacific Ocean during a La Niña event.
During La Niña, the Pacific Ocean has strengthened trade winds that push warm surface waters towards the western Pacific. This intensifies the usual climate patterns which results in cooler sea surface temperatures and increased rainfall in the western Pacific. On the other hand, it’s also bringing drier and warmer conditions to the western coast of South America.
Review the map shown above. What is the impact on North American climate during the
winter months (Dec-Feb) due to El Niño according to this map. How does this change during the summer months?
El Niña brought colder and wetter conditions to the northern parts of North America. which increased snowfall and colder temperatures. However, in Southern North America: The southern United States often experiences drier and milder conditions during El Niña winters. This can lead to a higher risk of drought in some areas.
Using the same map, what is the impact on Australia's conditions (Dec-Feb)?
There’s an increase in rainfall in the north and cooler temperatures in the South
Part III. What are Current Conditions
?
Visit the following website to find information on the current conditions:
http://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/analysis_monitoring/enso_advisory/
In less than 100 words, summarize recent conditions. Is an El Niño or La Niña present? Submission
Upload your completed assignment to Canvas before this Friday at 11:59 pm
.
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