Consider the following statements regarding El Nino effect on Indian ...
- El Nino is the name given to the warm ocean currents along the Pacific coast of South America that arise every few years at about Christmas time.
- The El Nino phenomenon is a part of a chain of meteorological events that extends from the eastern Pacific to northern Australia, Indonesia and into the heartland of India.
- There is a rather weak correlation between El Nino and the Indian monsoon rains.
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Consider the following statements regarding El Nino effect on Indian ...
The correct answer is option 'C' - Both 1 and 2.
El Nino is a climatic phenomenon that occurs in the Pacific Ocean, particularly near the equator. It has a significant impact on weather patterns around the world, including the Indian Monsoon.
1. The surface temperature goes up in the Southern Pacific Ocean and there is deficient rainfall in India:
During El Nino, the surface temperature in the Southern Pacific Ocean rises above average. This increase in temperature leads to the weakening of the trade winds, which are the prevailing winds that blow from east to west across the equatorial region. As a result, the warm water that is usually confined to the Western Pacific begins to move eastward towards the Central and Eastern Pacific.
This shift in warm water causes a disruption in the normal patterns of atmospheric circulation, which in turn affects the Indian Monsoon. The Indian Monsoon is driven by the temperature difference between the landmass of India and the surrounding oceans. However, during El Nino, the warmer waters in the Pacific Ocean reduce the temperature gradient, weakening the monsoon circulation. This leads to deficient rainfall in India, particularly in the summer months when the monsoon is supposed to be at its peak.
2. The Walker Circulation shifts eastward from its normal position and reduces monsoon rainfall in India:
The Walker Circulation is a large-scale atmospheric circulation pattern that is present over the tropical Pacific Ocean. It consists of east-west trade winds near the surface and upper-level westerly winds. The Walker Circulation plays a crucial role in determining the monsoon rainfall in India.
During El Nino, the Walker Circulation undergoes a significant shift from its normal position. The east-west trade winds weaken or even reverse direction, and the upper-level westerly winds become stronger. This shift in the Walker Circulation leads to a reduction in the moisture transport from the Indian Ocean to the Indian subcontinent, resulting in decreased monsoon rainfall.
Overall, both statements are correct. El Nino leads to an increase in surface temperature in the Southern Pacific Ocean, which in turn weakens the Indian Monsoon by disrupting the normal atmospheric circulation patterns and reducing the moisture transport from the Indian Ocean.