What is EI Nino Effect?

EI Nino Effect causes a drastic change in the weather conditions across the globe

What is EI Nino Effect

 El Nino is a cycle of climate on the Pacific ocean which has an impact on the weather pattern on a global basis.When warm water from the western pacific Oceans starts flowing in the eastern direction, this weather phenomenon occurs. The normal trade wind reverses or weakens which causes the warm water in the western Pacific ocean to flow in the east. The cool water that is found near the Eastern Pacific, is then displaced by the warm water. This results in changes in atmosphere which as a result affects the weather conditions across the globe.

When EI Nino Occurs

 The EI Nino does not occur every year. It occurs in every 2 to 7 years. There occurs an increase of temperature of 0.5 C or 0.9 F in the eastern Pacific ocean water near the equatorial region which results in the EI Nino effect. La Nina is the reverse phenomenon of EI Nino when the eastern Pacific Ocean becomes cooler than the temperature around the equator.

Effects of Nino Effect

 The effects of EI Nino effect are really strong and can result in drastic changes in the weather conditions across the globe.

Tropical Cyclones

 Tropical Cyclones occur on the sub tropical ridge side around the equator. It then moves towards the ridge axis after which it enters the main belt of Westerlies. The areas near Western side of Korea and Japan experiences fewer tropical cyclones during the time of September to November. During the occurence of EI Nino, the break in the subtropical ridge lies near 130 degree, thereby favoring the Japanese archipelago. 

Influence on the tropical Atlantic Ocean

 Studies reveal that EI Nino effect which occurs in the equatorial Pacific causes warm climate. The easterly trade winds in the region of western equatorial Atlantic is strengthened by the Atlantic Walker circulation over Southern America. This results in unusual cooling of the eastern equatorial Atlantic climate in the seasons of summer and spring, thereby resulting in EI Nino in the winter season.

Antarctica

 EI Nino conditions also cause high pressure anomalies in Bellingshausen Seas, Ammundsen. This results in the reduction of sea ice and hence increased heat in these areas. On the other hand, the Weddell Sea tends to become cooler due to excessive sea ice. Thus opposite heat and atmospheric pressure anomalies occur during the reverse La Nina effect.