Climate Variability and Drought

Flashcards addressing key concepts related to climate variability and the impacts of drought.

What causes tropical east Pacific water temperatures to rise?

The movement of warm water across the Pacific Ocean due to changes in ocean systems around the equator.

What weather conditions are associated with the area of warm water in the tropical central east Pacific?

Unsettled, wet weather characterized by low pressure and increased rainfall over the west coast of South America.

What happens to the air that travels west in the upper atmosphere during this phenomenon?

It can lead to clear skies and increased temperatures, often resulting in drought conditions.

What was a major characteristic of the Californian Drought from 2012 to 2016?

Severely reduced snowpack in the Sierra Nevada, reaching 95% below average in 2015.

How did the Californian Drought affect groundwater?

Groundwater levels in aquifers were significantly depleted due to excessive pumping to compensate for reduced surface water.

What was the general impact of decreased precipitation during the drought?

The drought was characterized by extremely low precipitation and conditions that contributed to overall hydrological deficits.