What is ENSO?
The El Nino Southern Oscillation is a 2-7 year cycle that is related to sea surface temperatures. This cycle effects ocean currents, jet streams and tradewinds, as well as precipitation patterns in the United States.
El Nino- The El Nino phase of ENSO is characterized by warm ocean temperatures and wet weather off the California Coast. This weather system then moves east across the United States. The phase is initiated by a shallow thermocline in the Pacific Ocean along the equator, which initiates the transport of warm moisture from the Western Pacific to the Eastern Pacific.
La Nina- The La Nina phase of ENSO is characterized by cold ocean temperatures and cool dry weather off the California Coast. This phase is initiated by a steep thermocline in the Pacific Ocean which inhibits the transfer of warm moisture across the Pacific. La Nina is believed to be responsible for the recent droughts in the Central and Eastern United States.
The El Nino Southern Oscillation is a 2-7 year cycle that is related to sea surface temperatures. This cycle effects ocean currents, jet streams and tradewinds, as well as precipitation patterns in the United States.
El Nino- The El Nino phase of ENSO is characterized by warm ocean temperatures and wet weather off the California Coast. This weather system then moves east across the United States. The phase is initiated by a shallow thermocline in the Pacific Ocean along the equator, which initiates the transport of warm moisture from the Western Pacific to the Eastern Pacific.
La Nina- The La Nina phase of ENSO is characterized by cold ocean temperatures and cool dry weather off the California Coast. This phase is initiated by a steep thermocline in the Pacific Ocean which inhibits the transfer of warm moisture across the Pacific. La Nina is believed to be responsible for the recent droughts in the Central and Eastern United States.
ENSO cycles compared to Precipitation Patterns
Pacific Ocean Thermocline
Climate Change and ENSO
As of now, it is on clear how a warming climate may affect the El Nino Southern Oscillation. According to the IPCC report, however, the number of El Nino events may increase, while the number of La Nina events may decrease.
For current ENSO forecasting, visit : http://www.esrl.noaa.gov/psd/enso/enso.current.html
As of now, it is on clear how a warming climate may affect the El Nino Southern Oscillation. According to the IPCC report, however, the number of El Nino events may increase, while the number of La Nina events may decrease.
For current ENSO forecasting, visit : http://www.esrl.noaa.gov/psd/enso/enso.current.html
