The El Niño and La Niña events and their effects on Africa’s climate Flashcards
1
Q
what is El Niño?
A
climate change brought about by warmer conditions in the pacific ocean
2
Q
what is La Niña?
A
climate change brought about by cooler conditions in the pacific ocean
3
Q
With the aid of this photo explain normal condition in the pacific ocean:
A
- 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
4
Q
explain El Niño conditions in the Pacific Ocean:
A
- 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
5
Q
explain La Niña conditions in the Pacific Ocean:
A
La Nina is the same as normal pacific conditions only a lot stronger
6
Q
How does El Niño and La Niña affect Africa’s climate?
A
- 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
