Which climatic phenomenon is characterized by the cooling of sea surfa...
La Niña is a climatic phenomenon characterized by the cooling of sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. It often results in wetter conditions in regions such as Southeast Asia, Australia, and certain parts of India.
Which climatic phenomenon is characterized by the cooling of sea surfa...
Understanding La Niña
La Niña is a climatic phenomenon that is characterized by the cooling of sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. This phenomenon is part of the larger El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) cycle, which includes both El Niño (warming) and La Niña (cooling) phases.
Key Features of La Niña:
- Temperature Variations: La Niña occurs when sea surface temperatures drop significantly below average, particularly in the equatorial Pacific.
- Trade Winds: It is associated with stronger than normal trade winds, which push warm water westward and allow cooler water to rise from the depths in the eastern Pacific.
Impact on Weather Patterns:
- Precipitation: La Niña typically leads to increased rainfall in the western Pacific, including parts of Southeast Asia and Australia, while causing drier conditions in the eastern Pacific, affecting countries like Peru.
- Hurricanes: It can also influence hurricane activity in the Atlantic, often leading to more favorable conditions for storm development.
Comparison with El Niño:
- While La Niña brings cooler ocean temperatures and can lead to wetter conditions in some areas, El Niño is marked by warmer sea surface temperatures and often results in opposite weather patterns, such as increased rainfall in the eastern Pacific.
Understanding La Niña is crucial for predicting seasonal weather patterns and preparing for potential climatic impacts globally.
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