The El Niño and La Niña events and their effects on Africa’s climate

Question 1

what is El Niño?

Answer 1

climate change brought about by warmer conditions in the pacific ocean

Question 2

what is La Niña?

Answer 2

climate change brought about by cooler conditions in the pacific ocean

Question 3

With the aid of this photo explain normal condition in the pacific ocean:

Answer 3

• Easterly winds blowing westwards
• Wind drags warm water westwards
• deeper colder water then rises on eastern side of ocean
• warm water on W side cause air to rise and low pressure and warm moist air causes rain over SE asian and Australia
• Dry condition over W coast of South America

Question 4

explain El Niño conditions in the Pacific Ocean:

Answer 4

• easterly wind weakens due to atmospheric pressure change
• upwelling of cold water reduced and ocean is warmer
• warm water normally on west side is now centre and east side
• rising air and rain occur in central as opposed to west
• subsiding air and dry conditions over eastern australia and SE asia

Question 5

explain La Niña conditions in the Pacific Ocean:

Answer 5

La Nina is the same as normal pacific conditions only a lot stronger

Question 6

How does El Niño and La Niña affect Africa’s climate?

Answer 6

• during El Niño E of Africa is dry W may experience increase in rain
• during La Niña Africa may experience up to double usual amount of rain