El Nino and La Nina

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  • Created by: emily_w
  • Created on: 26-02-15 11:08
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  • El Nino and La Nina
    • Frequencies
      • El Nino
        • 2-5 years
        • Usually around December--named for Jeus, the "little boy"
        • Reaches its peak late autumn of the following year. Event ends in early spring
      • La Nina
        • Same as El Nino, 2-5 years
        • Lasts for 9-12 months, but can sometimes last for 2 years
    • Causes
      • Normal year
        • TRADE WINDS: Normally, these blow warm water to Indonesia.
        • HUMBOLDT CURRENT: A cold ocean current which means the West coast of South America normally has cold water
        • Cooler in the Western Pacific, warmer in the Eastern
      • El Nino
        • HUMBOLDT CURRENT: Weaker because equatorial westerly trade winds are weaker
        • WATER TEMP: Due to weak Humboldt current, sea next to South America is warmer
      • La Nina
        • TRADE WINDS: Normal trade winds going towards Australia strengthen
        • SEA TEMP: Colder than normal on the coast of South America
    • Impacts
      • El Nino
        • Global
          • The average water temperature across the region increases. The mass of warm water can contribute to climate change
        • The Americas
          • Flooding from Chile to California
          • South American fisherman can catch fewer fish
          • California gets mudslides
        • Eastern Africa
          • Often reduced rainfall, so the Nile has less water
        • Indonesia and Australia
          • Drought
      • La Nina
        • Indonesia and Australia
          • Wetter than normal
        • The Americas
          • Drier conditions in California
          • Southwestern USA has warmer winters. Northwest has colder
        • General
          • El Nino conditions, but reversed

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