1. How do meteorologists forecast El Nino and La Nina?
2. Effects of El Nino and La Nina with regards to ocean currents and air currents.
Meteorologists have not been very successful at forecasting them so far; it is mainly a question of monitoring it to see of they is there.
La Nina conditions often follow the year after El Nino.
To learn about the effects, read
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/elnino/mainpage.html
El Nino- surface temps warm
La Nina- surface temps cool
1. Forecasting El Nino and La Nina is a challenging task for meteorologists. These weather phenomena are related to fluctuations in ocean temperatures in the equatorial Pacific. To forecast them, meteorologists primarily rely on monitoring various indicators and patterns such as sea surface temperatures, atmospheric pressure changes, trade wind strength, and changes in other atmospheric and oceanic variables. This data is collected through instruments like buoys, satellites, and weather stations. By analyzing these variables over time, meteorologists can look for patterns and trends that may indicate the development of El Nino or La Nina conditions.
2. El Nino and La Nina have significant effects on both ocean currents and air currents. During El Nino, the surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean become abnormally warm, disrupting the normal conditions. This can lead to a weakening or even a reversal of the trade winds that generally blow from east to west across the equatorial Pacific. The warm ocean waters also affect the atmospheric circulation, leading to changes in rainfall patterns and atmospheric pressure. El Nino often brings heavy rainfall to the southwestern United States and drought conditions to regions like Australia and Indonesia.
In contrast, during La Nina, surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific become abnormally cool. This can intensify the trade winds and result in stronger ocean currents. The cooler waters impact the atmospheric circulation, leading to changes in rainfall patterns and atmospheric pressure. La Nina tends to bring wetter conditions to the western Pacific and drier conditions to parts of the Americas.
To learn more about the specific effects of El Nino and La Nina on ocean and air currents, you can refer to reliable sources such as scientific journals, books, or reputable websites like National Geographic's webpage dedicated to El Nino and La Nina (http://www.nationalgeographic.com/elnino/mainpage.html). These sources can provide detailed explanations and insights into the impacts of these weather phenomena.