Ananya
Academy of Stem
27 January 2024
El Niño and La Niña El
Niño and La Niña are two weather phenomena that often confuse people. They are not
exclusive to one another and can occur together or independently. What’s the difference between El Niño and La Niña? This article will explore both of these phenomena in depth.
ELNIÑO
El Niño means Little Boy in Spanish. In the 1600s, South American fishermen first noticed
periods of unusually warm water in the Pacific Ocean. They called it El Niño de Navidad because El Niño typically peaks around December.
What happens during it?
When warm water builds up along the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean, an El Niño occurs. This increases moisture rising in the air, resulting in more rainstorms. In the US, winter temperatures tend to be warmer than normal in the Northwest, with decreased rainfall, while the Southeast experiences wetter-than-average conditions. For example, in 1997, the unusually warm water was up to 6 °C warmer than average, resulting in above-average rainfall in certain parts of the world. parts of the Southwest, including California, experienced historic flooding and landslides during 1997. Similarly, in 2015, Southern California’s sea levels were more than six inches above normal, leading to higher-than-normal tides and increased coastal flooding.
Countries it affects:
● Peru
● Ecuador
● Indonesia
● Australia
● SouthAmerica
● USA
● Pacific Island nations & many more
LANIÑA
La Niña means Little Girl in Spanish. La Niña is also sometimes called El Viejo, anti-El
Niño, or simply "a cold event." La Niña has the opposite effect of El Niño. During La Niña events, trade winds are stronger than usual, pushing warmer water toward Asia. Upwelling increases off the west coast of the Americas, bringing cold, nutrient-rich water to the surface. These cold waters in the Pacific push the jet stream northward. This tends to lead to drought in the southern U.S. and heavy rains and flooding in the Pacific Northwest and Canada. During a La Niña year, winter temperatures are warmer than normal in the South and cooler than normal in the North. La Niña can also lead to a more severe hurricane season.
What happens during it?
Conversely, when cool water builds up along the same region, a La Niña occurs with the opposite impact. In the US, winter temperatures are cooler than average in the Northwest and warmer than average in the Southeast. For example, In 1988, the unusually cool water caused the atmosphere to cool in response. As less water evaporated, the air became 3 dryer, cooler, and denser. Because this dense air didn’t rise or develop into storms, less rain fell in certain parts of the world.
Which countries does it affect?
● SouthAmerica
● Australia
● Southeast Asia
● USA
● Africa & many more
SAFETYTIPS
EL NIÑO: ➢ Avoid areas subject to sudden flooding. If you are caught outdoors during a heavy rain and flood, climb to high ground and stay there.
➢ Stay back from rushing water, as water can increase suddenly during flash floods.
➢ If you come upon a flowing stream where water is above your ankles, STOP! Turn around and go another way.
➢ Don't walk through flooded areas. As little as six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet.
LA NIÑA:
➢ Check if You are in a High-Risk Area
➢ Prevent Blockages 4
➢ Fix any weak points
➢ Check Sprinklers
➢ Protect Stock
CONCLUSION
El Niño and La Niña are the two main weather patterns in the Pacific. These cyclical
phenomena can affect the climate, often causing heat waves or cold spells across North America and Europe. However, El Niño and La Niña are not just weather phenomena but also a very important part of the hydrologic cycle. Like El niño, La niña can also significantly impact global climate patterns. One of the most notable effects of La niña is an increase in the number of hurricanes in the Atlantic Ocean. El niño and la niña are both parts of a larger phenomenon known as the El Niño-Southern Oscillation
Works Cited
1. Beach, Lisa. “El Niño and La Niña: What’s the Difference? | the National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF).” Www.neefusa.org, www.neefusa.org/story/climate-change/el-nino-and-la-nina-whats-difference.
2. EarthHow. “El Niño vs. La Niña: What’s the Difference?” Earth How, 19 Sept. 2019, earthhow.com/el-nino-la-nina/.
3. LACounty. “El Niño Safety, Preparedness Tips.” NBC Los Angeles, 20 Oct. 2015, 5 www.nbclosangeles.com/news/safety-preparedness-tips-as-el-nino-approaches/92323/
4. Mitra, Soumi. “What Is the Difference between El Niño and La Niña | Let’s Talk Geography.” Let’s Talk Geography, 4 May 2022, letstalkgeography.com/difference-between-el-nino-and-la-nina/.
5. NOAA.“What Are El Niño and La Niña?” Noaa.gov, 2019, oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/ninonina.html.
6. Weeden, Natalie. “La Niña Is on Its Way- Here’s How to Prepare Your Home and Business.” CC&a Insurance Brokers (PTY) Ltd., 10 Nov. 2016, ccainsurance.co.za/la-nina-way-heres-prepare/. Accessed 27 Jan. 2024
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