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El Nina verses La Nina, what are these phenomenon? And how do they affect the climate and climate change?
El Niño and La Niña are opposite phases of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), a natural climate pattern that affects the tropical Pacific Ocean.
- El NiñoThe warm phase, when the central and eastern Pacific Ocean are warmer than average. This can cause:
- Weaker trade winds
- Warmer waters to move toward the west coast of the Americas
- Below average rainfall over Indonesia and above average rainfall over the central or eastern Pacific
- La NiñaThe cool phase, when the central and eastern Pacific Ocean are cooler than average. This can cause:
- Stronger trade winds
- Upwelling, which brings cold, nutrient-rich water to the surface
- Increased rainfall over Indonesia
These changes in the Pacific Ocean can disrupt normal wind and rainfall patterns, which can have global side effects. For example, El Niño can lead to:
- More frequent atmospheric rivers on the West Coast
- Cold winters in the United Kingdom
La Niña can lead to:
- Colder, wetter, and stormier conditions in the UK
- More frequent tornadoes in the southeast
The ENSO cycle shifts back and forth irregularly every two to seven years. Climate change is increasing ENSO variability, and strong El Niño and La Niña events have occurred more frequently than the pre-1960 average.
